Delhi pollution: Railway Board asks 4 zones to replace, convert non-compliant diesel generators

The Railway Board has mandated four zones to replace or upgrade non-compliant diesel generators to improve air quality in Delhi-NCR. This action is crucial for addressing severe pollution issues in the region.
Delhi pollution: Railway Board asks 4 zones to replace, convert non-compliant diesel generators
A What happened
The Railway Board has issued a directive to four railway zones in Delhi-NCR, mandating the replacement or upgrading of non-compliant diesel generator sets. This decision is part of efforts to adhere to air quality norms set by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The affected zones include Northern, North Central, North Western, and West Central. The Board's letter, dated November 18, outlines that if replacement is not possible, the zones should either convert the generators to dual-fuel systems or install Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECD). This action follows a communication from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), which highlighted the critical air pollution levels in Delhi, especially during winter. The DPCC has classified the entire Union Territory as an Air Pollution Control area, necessitating compliance with the CAQM's directives to mitigate pollution from diesel generators.

Key insights

  • 1

    Focus on Air Quality: The directive aims to improve air quality in a pollution-prone region.

  • 2

    Compliance with Regulations: The Railway Board's action aligns with CAQM's air quality regulations.

  • 3

    Impact on Multiple Sectors: The upgrade affects various sectors, including healthcare and transportation.

Takeaways

The Railway Board's initiative to upgrade diesel generators is a significant step towards improving air quality in Delhi-NCR. By enforcing compliance with environmental regulations, the Board aims to mitigate the severe pollution challenges faced by the region.

Topics

Health & Medicine Public Health World & Politics Policy & Regulation Climate & Environment Climate Change

Stay ahead with OwlBrief

Daily briefs that distill the world’s important events — clear, verified, and designed for understanding.

Newsletter

Get OwlBrief in your inbox

A fast, high-signal digest of the day’s most important events — plus the context that makes them make sense.

Quick to read. Useful all day.