In his letter to Union Power Minister RK Singh, Satyendar Jain sought closure of all 11 thermal power plants in Delhi-NCR which he said will not lead to any reduction in power supplies.
File photo of Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain (Photo Credits: PTI)
Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain wrote a letter to Union Power Minister RK Singh on Wednesday and requested him to shut all 11 thermal power plants in the National Capital Region (NCR) to bring down air pollution levels.
Satyendar Jain said that the biggest contributors to Delhi’s air pollution are these thermal power plants and crop stubble burning.
Satyendar Jain, who is also Delhi’s Health Minister, said that the AAP government is the only state government which has shut all thermal power plants within its jurisdiction. Satyendar Jain also noted in his letter that the Delhi government has shown that thermal power plants can be shut.
Satyendar Jain claimed that the Central government intends to allow these thermal power plants for two more years despite a Supreme Court order in 2015 that they will lower pollution levels by 2019.
“Shutting down the 11 power plants will definitely create a difference. I have the Union Power Minister and I am sure he will take cognizance of the matter,” Satyendar Jain said.
“The Dadri power station [in Greater Noida], which causes immense pollution despite crossing its threshold of 25 years, is being planned to be renewed by the Central government. Stubble burning and power plants are the biggest contributors to the harmful quality of air in Delhi. On the issue of air quality, every step counts,” said Satyendar Jain.
Satyendar Jain said Delhi has alternate sources to generate power and there is no shortage even during peak hours. So, these thermal plants can be closed as it will not lead to any reduction in power supplies, Satyendar Jain said.