In a bid to check air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal Government issued notices to Capital’s two highly polluting and fuel guzzling coal-based power plants at Rajghat and Badarpur on Tuesday, instructing them to shut down within seven days.
Transport Minister Gopal Rai said Rajghat power plant has already been temporarily closed since October owing to high pollution levels and expensive power.
As far as Badarpur plant is concerned, out of the five units, only one of 210 MW is operational now, he said.
“Pollution level during winter rises up further due to meteorological conditions. Since 2009 when new ambient standards came into being, particulate matter PM10 /PM2.5 level generally has hovered beyond the prescribed limits in winter. This winter is no exception,” said the notice.
“In view of the high pollution level in Delhi particularly during winter, it is imperative to take action against various sources of pollution. Coal based thermal power plant next to the habitation is an oddity from the point of view of environment. It is therefore proposed to issue directions under section 31 (A) of the Air Act for closing the Rajghat and Badarpur thermal power plant unless it meets the prescribed standards including the standard of 50 mg/Nm3 for particulate matter. The contractual issues regarding power purchase agreement /consumption of power are the domain of parties concerned,” said the notice.
Experts said locking down Rajghat power plant is easier than Badarpur thermal power plant as the former is under the Delhi Government-owned Indraprastha Power Generation Company limited (IPGCl).
Sources said the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is “unlikely to object” shutting of BTPS.
“The NTPC is gradually trying to shut the plant anyway. Out of the five units in it, only one of 210 MW is operational now. The only problem we were facing was to find a way to avoid overloading of transmission lines which are being upgraded,” said sources.
According to NGT, two coal-based power plants in Delhi are causing more air pollution.
The closure notices have been issued under section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981 as amended to date after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.