State-run NTPC today shut its Badarpur power plant temporarily following Delhi government's order in the wake of worsening pollution levels in the national capital region.
"It takes one day to close down a power unit. Now, it has been completely shut down temporarily as per Delhi government's order issued yesterday to bring down air pollution in the city," a source said.
Yesterday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced steps taken by the Delhi government to deal with air pollution in the city, which included temporary closure of NTPC's Badarpur plant.
The Delhi government had decided to shut down the coal-based Badarpur power plant, considered one of the key pollutants, for the next 10 days beginning today.
"Two units of 210 MW each were running at the Badarpur plant, which were generating around 300 MW of power. But, it is still not clear that who will bear the fixed cost during this temporary closure of the plant," the source said.
Under the power purchase agreement, the consumers (power distribution companies) are required to bear a fixed cost. But, since it is closed down due to environmental reasons, the discoms are in no mood to pay that cost.
Earlier, environmentalists had also expressed concerns over the pollution caused by fly ash from the Badarpur plant and demanded its closure in view of the rising pollution levels in the city.
Yesterday, Kejriwal had said, "All DG (diesel generating) sets, except those used in emergency services in hospitals and mobile towers, will not be allowed for the next 10 days."
The Chief Minister had also said power connections will be provided even in unauthorised colonies to tackle the menace of DG sets. Power connection does not mean regularisation though, he had added.
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