From January 1, 2023, the use of coal as a fuel will be prohibited across the National Capital Region.
In a letter released on Wednesday, the CAQM stated that coal is the most common industrial fuel in the NCR, and that the region's industries consume roughly 1.7 million tonnes of coal each year, "with about 1.4 million tonnes consumed in six key industrial districts of the NCR alone." The initiative is intended to phase out the use of coal as a fuel to address air pollution concerns in the NCR.
Overall, the shift is preferable in terms of air quality, according to Karthik Ganesan, fellow and director of research coordination at the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water.
According to a source apportionment analysis conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute in 2018, industries employing coal, biomass, and pet-coke contributed 30% of the industrial sector's contribution to PM2.5 levels in winter in Delhi.
Some major challenges impacting this decision will be somewhat like these
Pipelines for gas have yet to reach some areas, according to IN Mangla, president of the Gurgaon Industrial Association, which has around 400 members. Furthermore, converting to a gas-powered system will necessitate costly equipment adjustments. "The costs of the equipment can be prohibitive, therefore subsidizing it is critical," he said. It's also possible that the deadline will be tough to reach. "Companies will be able to transition gradually," he noted, "but making the changeover swiftly may be problematic, particularly for small industries."
The PM2.5 emissions attributable to industries in the NCR is reasonably high. However, by the time these emissions make their way to Delhi their impact is reduced. The impact of the coal ban will be a boon for the regions outside NCT as they are bearing the brunt of the emissions, which locally worsen air quality,” Ganesan said.
Karthik Ganesan, fellow and director of research coordination at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water