Delhi has always been infamous for its rising pollution levels. The deteriorating air quality prevailing in the national capital has been a major health concern for the state health authority as well as the residents.
The national capital has taken several measures to curtail down the pollution levels. However, Delhi and the NCR region is now facing another pollution risks from the adjoining states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
A new pollution in the form of a large quantity of Sulphur-Dioxide emitted by the systematic burning of pet coke by industries is said to be drifting in the capital of the country. As per the experts, this is expected to be 300 times more dangerous than the smoke released by vehicles.
Moreover, the pet coke also releases a lot of heavy metals into the atmosphere as well. Despite its atmospheric risks, the petroleum coke, which is a byproduct of petroleum is a popular industrial fuel.
As it releases more heat than coal and leaves and produces little residue, it is widely used in the industrial operations. Moreover, the pet coke is comparatively cheaper than coal which is a benefit for the industries to use it instead of coal.
Although the pet coke burning is banned in Delhi, there are no restrictions on its use in the adjoining regions of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana due to which the gas emitted from its industrial use drifts in the national capital.
However, a new plan has been framed to bring down the pollution level from the annual average of PM 2.5 by 70%. With effect from April, all four wheeler in Delhi will be required to meet Bharat Stage 4 pollution norms.
As per this norm, only diesel encompassing less than 50 ppm (parts per million) of Sulphur will be permitted. Moreover, there has to be a way out to control the emission made by the use of pet coke.
Image Credit: livemint
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