Keeping a close watch on air pollution

With levels of particulate matter in the air becoming a cause for concern across Indian cities, this winter, Delhi, one of the worst hit, rolled out ambitious plans to tackle this scourge. Nikhil M Ghanekar speaks to Bhure Lal, Chairman, Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) for the National Capital Region, on the progress of these keenly-watched measures.

How have the Capital’s pollution levels been this winter, compared to past ones? 

Barring the first week of November 2016, conditions have been moderate and as compared to earlier years, the air quality was better. That week saw crop burning taking place, it was Diwali, wind speed was almost zero, and there was slow moving Diwali traffic too. All those factors aggravated the pollution. Once wind speed increased, and along with certain measures to control dust, and burning of leaves, air quality improved. Smog-like conditions did not appear throughout winter; we had also closed down the Badarpur power plant.

EPCA has rolled out the graded response action plan to tackle pollution in Delhi-NCR, what has been the response and impact of initial actions? 

From October this year, we will be in action again because air pollution worsens in the winter months. All those plans will be implemented, people have been alerted at the field level, responsibilities have been fixed, committees have been formed under the chairmanship of Secretary, Environment and Forests, and at the state level, under Chief Secretaries and Pollution Control Boards. A committee of experts will also monitor the forecast for pollution and weather for 48 hours. If conditions don’t improve in those 48 hours, we will act according to the graded action plan, those actions will be spelt out, and we will enforce them. As far as this winter is concerned, awareness has been created. We have seen fewer instances of leaf burning this winter, otherwise a usual sight. We have requested the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to stop the burning of agricultural waste including paddy stubble.

Recently, EPCA also recommended to the authorities that use of pet coke and furnace oil should be stopped. 

The issue is before the Supreme Court and we are doing further research; we want to collect more data. We will go before the Supreme Court with that research and request the court to stop the use of pet coke and furnace oil. We will suggest alternatives. Gas and electricity are some alternatives. The only issue is the cost-effectiveness of the alternate sources compared to pet coke and oil.

Regarding the reopening of the Badarpur power plant, the IIT-Kanpur study on pollution sources said that dust and thermal plant pollution are the highest in the summertime. What measures are in place to control pollution at the plant?

Yes, that is right. We have asked National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Power department to manage the residue and fly ash in an appropriate manner. The National Highways Authority of India will lift it for construction of roads. Other uses, including in brick-making, are being found. The problem though will still remain, as the fly-ash pond spans an area of over 800 acres.