As no alternative arrangement has made for evacuation of adequate power in the Capital, the Delhi Government has decided to keep Rajghat power plant operational for quite some time. The plant — only functional coal-based power plant — has been held responsible for tonnes of toxic emissions into Delhi’s air and directions to close it down were issued after the Cabinet decision in 2011.

The Delhi Government has decided to defer the closure of Rajghat power plant as the power plant at Bawana could not be started. Presently, power supply is being met from Rajghat plant to Walled City requirement namely Town Hall, Jama Masjid, lahori Gate, Kamla Market along with Indira Gandhi stadium, Players’ Building. The Power department maintains that if the plant is shut down immediately, certain parts of Delhi will face a blackout.

“In normal operation, around 100 Megawatt is fed from this plant and incase of any trouble at IP station and Kashmeri Gate load requirement raised to 150 Megawatt. As a consequence of closure of Rajghat plant and to meet out this shortage of power, it is essential to retain the existing 220/33 KV switch yard at Rajghat power plant. The sub-station 220/33 KV is a permanent and long-term solution but can be established only when required space is available after dismantling of Rajghat plant,” the Cabinet note said.

It is noted that Indraprastha Power Generation Company limited (IPGCl) and Pragati Power Corporation limited has proposed a gas-based power plant at Rajghat power plant after its disposal at the plant area which can accommodate 450 megawatt closed cycle gas turbines of advance class.

“Delhi is still not getting sufficient gas for its Bawana power plant. GAIl has confirmed its share but the supply from Reliance’s KG Basin fields is still uncertain. That is directly responsible for 250 MW generation and another 100 MW through steam. Unless a continuous supply is assured, it will be very difficult to shut down Rajghat,” said

an official.