The Rajghat power station in New Delhi will be closed down for a month, from September 16 to October 15, since it is close to a Games venue. This proposal is one of the 13 measures the Delhi government has suggested to improve air quality during the Games.

The power department has agreed to this closure, after assessing the power demand. “It will be shut down, along with some other plants which are near the venues,” Dharmendra, the environment secretary of Delhi, told Governance Now.

In the proposed action plan the government has noted that the plant has an installed capacity of 135 MW and it will be shut down if suitable arrangement can be made for relocation of 100 MW.

Among other measures, bursting fire crackers will not be allowed during the Games. “The use of fire crackers during this period can be banned specially in marriage procession and social and religious function. This is of relevance, as Navaratas will be starting during the said period,” the action plan states.

All non-essential construction of government and local bodies may also be temporarily stopped from mid September till the end of the Games. The document also mentions that construction material may be removed or properly covered to avoid  suspension of dust. The Delhi Pollution Control Board will follow up with agencies to control dust emissions.

The Badarpur Thermal Power Station will not be shut down during the Games. While this may increase air emission, it has been advised to use better quality of coal.

“I have personally gone and seen the checks being conducted for pollution control certificates,” Dharmendra said.

The action taken report adds, “Traffic police officials also informed that certain stretches will also be closed for commercial vehicles during Games period.”

A public notice to air polluting industries located in Delhi has been issued by the government and four inspection teams constituted by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will conduct surprise checks in industries from Wednesday.
Six inspection teams of DPCC officials have also been formed to prevent burning of waste material.