Indian states suffer power cuts

DELHI India's northern Haryana and Punjab states have suffered electricity cuts after a directive to stop operating six of the 11 coal-fired power plants around national capital New Delhi in a bid to reduce pollution, government officials said.

New Delhi was the world's most polluted capital for the third straight year in 2020, with air quality in the region hitting hazardous levels in November, putting many people including children at risk.

The federal government-appointed Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a directive on November 16, asking six power plants to "remain inoperative at least till 30th November" to improve air quality.