Delhi air enters 'red zone', diesel generators banned

NEW DELHI: Diesel generators have been banned in Delhi under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Not only this, there is also a possibility of a hike in parking fees for vehicles. The reason behind these major moves by the authorities is that the national capital's pollution levels have spiralled out of control.

Delhi's air quality has entered the red zone, that has led to the implementation of stringent rules by the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA). EPCA chairman Bhure Lal and member Sunita Narain announced the decision following a review meeting on Tuesday.

"Difficult situations demand tough responses and solutions and the Delhi-NCR region is faced with a really difficult situation each winter when air pollution levels spiral out of control. The EPCA and all other agencies of the government are prepared to take those tough decisions which we believe will help clear the air," said EPCA chairperson Bhure Lal.

However, the authorities of the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) the agency which runs the Badarpur thermal power plant, have slammed the decision and predicted power supply disruption. "We have received the order but this will affect the power supply in the city," said NTPC Assistant General Manager Ashok Raizada.

In response to NTPC, the Delhi government has assured that all necessary steps would be taken according to the direction of the EPCA. "The environment department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee will take care of all the orders given by the EPCA. We will approach all the other department to help us if an emergency situation occurs," said a senior official of the environment department.

However, the EPCA has no proper action plan to ensure emergency power. The authority asserted that it will write to the Delhi government and urge to ensure smooth power supply in the Capital. "I will ask the government to ensure power supply for the festival and also for the essential services like hospitals," said Lal. See P4