As the Indian Capital, Delhi, suffocates under a blanket of smog blamed on stubble burning, a new study has revealed that thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution.

The study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed coal-fired thermal power plants in the National Capital Region (NCR) produce 16 times more air pollutants than stubble burning.

<h2>The scale of emissions</h2>

Between June 2022 and May 2023, NCR thermal power plants released 281 kilotonnes of sulphur dioxide (SO2), while the burning of 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw contributed just 17.8 kilotonnes of SO2.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-ncr-on-high-alert-grap-iv-anti-pollution-measures-to-kick-in-as-air-quality-hits-severe-plus-776892">Stricter GRAP-IV anti-pollution measures kick in as Delhi air quality deteriorates to ‘severe plus’ category</a>

"A comparison between NCR thermal power plant emissions and paddy straw burning emissions in Punjab and Haryana highlights the scale of SO2 pollution. Thermal power plants in NCR emit 281 kilotonnes of SO2 annually—16 times more than the 17.8 kilotonnes emitted by burning 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw," notes the study.

The report notes that thermal power plants are a "year-round" pollution source.

"While paddy straw burning causes seasonal spikes, thermal power plants represent a larger, persistent pollution source year-round, underscoring the need for stricter controls on thermal power plant emissions. Yet, thermal power plants often receive leniency and repeated compliance extensions, especially for installing FGDs, whereas stubble burning is heavily penalised, with strict enforcement on farmers during the burning season."

<h2>What can be done? &nbsp;</h2>

The CREA study highlights the potential of flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) technology to reduce emissions by 67 per cent, bringing SO2 levels in NCR thermal plants down to 93 kilotonnes annually.&nbsp;

"Over 96 per cent of particulate pollution from coal-fired power plants in the NCR is secondary in nature, primarily originating from SO2. Reducing SO2 emissions can significantly decrease the secondary particulate matter load, thereby reducing the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to these particles," explained Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-smothered-in-smog-as-aqi-remains-at-severe-levels-mumbai-records-moderate-air-quality-776841">Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality</a>

"SO2 levels often meet the NAAQS because, once released, it quickly transforms into sulfates—secondary particles that are major components of PM2.5. These secondary particles have a longer lifetime and pose serious health risks. This hidden transformation of SO2 into harmful particles emphasises the necessity for FGD installation," he added.

While thermal plants are a significant source of pollution, vehicular emissions accounted for 15.8 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday, according to the government’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management. Meanwhile, stubble burning spiked on Saturday, contributing 25 per cent of the city's pollution.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Indian Capital, Delhi, suffocates under a blanket of smog blamed on stubble burning, a new study has revealed that thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution.

As the Indian Capital, Delhi, suffocates under a blanket of smog blamed on stubble burning, a new study has revealed that thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution. The study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has revealed coal-fired thermal power plants in the National Capital Region (NCR) produce 16 times more air pollutants than stubble burning. The scale of emissions Between June 2022 and May 2023, NCR thermal power plants released 281 kilotonnes of sulphur dioxide (SO2), while the burning of 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw contributed just 17.8 kilotonnes of SO2. Also read | Stricter GRAP-IV anti-pollution measures kick in as Delhi air quality deteriorates to ‘severe plus’ category "A comparison between NCR thermal power plant emissions and paddy straw burning emissions in Punjab and Haryana highlights the scale of SO2 pollution. Thermal power plants in NCR emit 281 kilotonnes of SO2 annually—16 times more than the 17.8 kilotonnes emitted by burning 8.9 million tonnes of paddy straw," notes the study. The report notes that thermal power plants are a "year-round" pollution source. "While paddy straw burning causes seasonal spikes, thermal power plants represent a larger, persistent pollution source year-round, underscoring the need for stricter controls on thermal power plant emissions. Yet, thermal power plants often receive leniency and repeated compliance extensions, especially for installing FGDs, whereas stubble burning is heavily penalised, with strict enforcement on farmers during the burning season." What can be done? The CREA study highlights the potential of flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) technology to reduce emissions by 67 per cent, bringing SO2 levels in NCR thermal plants down to 93 kilotonnes annually. "Over 96 per cent of particulate pollution from coal-fired power plants in the NCR is secondary in nature, primarily originating from SO2. Reducing SO2 emissions can significantly decrease the secondary particulate matter load, thereby reducing the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to these particles," explained Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA. Also read | Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality "SO2 levels often meet the NAAQS because, once released, it quickly transforms into sulfates—secondary particles that are major components of PM2.5. These secondary particles have a longer lifetime and pose serious health risks. This hidden transformation of SO2 into harmful particles emphasises the necessity for FGD installation," he added. While thermal plants are a significant source of pollution, vehicular emissions accounted for 15.8 per cent of Delhi’s pollution on Sunday, according to the government’s Decision Support System for Air Quality Management. Meanwhile, stubble burning spiked on Saturday, contributing 25 per cent of the city's pollution. (With inputs from agencies)

Thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution than stubble burning: Study  

Indian national capital Delhi on Sunday (Nov. 17) once again woke up to a suffocating shroud of smog, with air quality plunging to severe levels.

The city's Air Quality Index (AQI), as per ANI, spiked to 428 at 8 am, firmly placing it in the "severe" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This toxic haze, caused by a lethal mix of local emissions and crop stubble burning in nearby states, left residents gasping for breath and struggling with poor visibility.

Drone visuals captured at landmarks like New Delhi Railway Station, AIIMS, and Mayur Vihar revealed an unbroken layer of smog cloaking buildings and roads. Hotspots like Patparganj (439), Mundka (463), and Jahangirpuri (466) recorded alarming AQI readings.

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Meanwhile, the Yamuna River's surface remains frothing with toxic foam caused by untreated industrial discharge and chemical-laden detergents.&nbsp;

The air quality crisis hit public transport too, with Delhi airport activating low-visibility protocols, though flights continued to operate. Officials advised travellers to stay updated with airlines for potential flight disruptions.&nbsp;

"Low-visibility procedures are in progress at the Delhi airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are to contact the airline concerned for updated information," posted the airport on its X handle.

<h2>GRAP-III&nbsp;implemented</h2>

To tackle the crisis, Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented, triggering a series of emergency measures. These include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. Violators face steep fines of ₹20,000 (around $237) under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grap-iii-anti-pollution-measures-implemented-in-delhi-amid-severe-aqi-776232">Stricter GRAP-III pollution curbs imposed as Delhi chokes amid&nbsp;‘severe’&nbsp; air quality</a>

Furthermore, road cleaning and water sprinkling on roads along with dust suppressants was intensified,&nbsp;and there is a complete halt on construction and demolition activities.

<h2>Mumbai faces foggy morning</h2>

Meanwhile, India's financial capital Mumbai woke up to a misty morning with moderate air quality with&nbsp;AQI of 179, far below Delhi’s hazardous levels,&nbsp;though Malad (276) and Worli (250) were areas of concern. With the cityscape enveloped in fog, visibility as per an ANI report reduced to less than 500 metres.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian national capital Delhi on Sunday (Nov. 17) once again woke up to a suffocating shroud of smog, with air quality plunging to severe levels. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI), as per ANI, spiked to 428 at 8 am, firmly placing it in the "severe" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Indian national capital Delhi on Sunday (Nov. 17) once again woke up to a suffocating shroud of smog, with air quality plunging to severe levels. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI), as per ANI, spiked to 428 at 8 am, firmly placing it in the "severe" category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This toxic haze, caused by a lethal mix of local emissions and crop stubble burning in nearby states, left residents gasping for breath and struggling with poor visibility. Drone visuals captured at landmarks like New Delhi Railway Station, AIIMS, and Mayur Vihar revealed an unbroken layer of smog cloaking buildings and roads. Hotspots like Patparganj (439), Mundka (463), and Jahangirpuri (466) recorded alarming AQI readings. Also read | India successfully tests long-range hypersonic missile, marks 'major milestone' Meanwhile, the Yamuna River's surface remains frothing with toxic foam caused by untreated industrial discharge and chemical-laden detergents. The air quality crisis hit public transport too, with Delhi airport activating low-visibility protocols, though flights continued to operate. Officials advised travellers to stay updated with airlines for potential flight disruptions. "Low-visibility procedures are in progress at the Delhi airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Passengers are to contact the airline concerned for updated information," posted the airport on its X handle. GRAP-III implemented To tackle the crisis, Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented, triggering a series of emergency measures. These include a ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles. Violators face steep fines of ₹20,000 (around $237) under the Motor Vehicle Act. Also read | Stricter GRAP-III pollution curbs imposed as Delhi chokes amid ‘severe’ air quality Furthermore, road cleaning and water sprinkling on roads along with dust suppressants was intensified, and there is a complete halt on construction and demolition activities. Mumbai faces foggy morning Meanwhile, India's financial capital Mumbai woke up to a misty morning with moderate air quality with AQI of 179, far below Delhi’s hazardous levels, though Malad (276) and Worli (250) were areas of concern. With the cityscape enveloped in fog, visibility as per an ANI report reduced to less than 500 metres. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality

With winter just around the corner, Delhi has once again been enveloped in a thick layer of smog as the air quality plummeted to 'severe' category. Here are some of the things that you need to know about the situation.

India: New Delhi's air quality 'severe'

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Thermal power plants emit 16 times more pollution than stubble burning: Study

Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality

India: New Delhi's air quality 'severe'