EPCA lifts ban on Badarpur power plant, diesel generators

Following an improvement in the Capital's air quality, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) said that Badarpur power plant can resume operations. The SC also lifted prohibition on the use of diesel generator sets and operation of brick kilns on Wednesday.

After the air quality in the Capital and National Capital Region (NCR) touched toxic levels in October, the EPCA had rolled out emergency measures laid down in the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The EPCA, during its meeting, noted that the air quality in the Capital has been moderate to poor over the past few weeks, and thus the emergency measures rolled out to tackle severe and very poor air quality will be withdrawn.

"From March 1, the restrictions imposed from last October will be lifted and measures applicable to moderate and poor category of air quality will be implemented," said EPCA member, Sunita Narain. Narain added that the Badarpur power plant will be operational till July, this year. Thereafter, it will shut down permanently.

As per the GRAP, to tackle the moderate to poor air quality in the city, authorities have to stop garbage burning, impose fines for open burning, and periodically carry out mechanised sweeping.