Air pollution in Delhi: Panel tightens curbs on use of diesel generators
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New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said diesel generator (DG) sets of capacity up to 800 kilowatts can be permitted for industrial and commercial operations in Delhi-NCR from May 15 after converting into the dual fuel system of gas and diesel. Their operations will continue to be restricted during the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) period.
The panel also observed that the uncontrolled use of DG sets is a matter of concern.
"Any use of DG sets of capacity up to 800 kW shall be permitted for the industrial and commercial sector in the entire NCR, only subject to their conversion to dual fuel system (70% gas and 30% diesel) in areas where gas infrastructure and supply is available," said the statement from the air quality panel.
A large number of DG sets are operating in the NCR without adequate emission control measures. They are active even during periods other than the ban under GRAP, cause heavy air pollution, and are thus a major contributing factor to the deterioration of air quality in the region. "Therefore, regulating the use of DG sets even for the periods when there is no ban or restrictions imposed under GRAP is the need of the hour," said the central body.
