“The Graded Response Action Plan for tackling air pollution, prepared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in consultation with the Environmental Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) and Delhi government, which was subsequently submitted in the Hon’ble Supreme Court, was discussed and on the basis of EPCA directions to Delhi Government, directions have been issued by the DPCC to the Badarpur Thermal Power Plantfor closure till further order,” said an official release.

The decision was taken in a meeting of the Environment Department chaired by Environment Minister Imran Hussain and attended by senior officials of the Department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), an official release said.

There are five units (3 X 95MW and 2 X 210MW) in Badarpur Thermal Power Plant. Out of these five, the DPCC had allowed the operation of only two units of 210 MW each, subject to meeting with the prescribed standard of particulate matter i.e. 50 mg/Nm3(called Normal metre cube). Three units (3X 95MW) which were not capable to meet the stringent standards of 50mg/Nm3 were not allowed to operate and were shut down. In fact, out of the five units, only one unit of 210 MW was operating in November 2016, the release added.