B S Vohra - A Civic / Environment Activist from Delhi, also known as a Power Expert

B.S. Vohra is a prominent civic activist based in Delhi, primarily known for his role as the President of the East Delhi Residents Welfare Association (RWA) Joint Front. He is a vocal advocate for urban improvement, environmental protection, and accountable governance in the National Capital Region (NCR). 

Key Areas of Activism and Focus:

• Environmentalism & Pollution: Vohra is a staunch critic of Delhi's air quality, advocating for stricter measures against pollution and supporting initiatives like the Aravalli Green Wall project. He often highlights the impact of pollution on public health, particularly for children and the elderly.
• Civic Issues & Infrastructure: He frequently addresses civic issues such as poor waste management (specifically in the Bhalswa area), garbage disposal, and waterlogging on roads.
• RWA Representation: As a representative of East Delhi RWAs, he has lobbied for better coordination between municipal corporations and the Delhi government to resolve issues. He has also called for the inclusion of experienced RWA representatives as aldermen in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
• Stray Animal Management: Vohra has supported measures to address safety concerns regarding stray animals in residential areas.
• RTI and Data Usage: He has been an active user of the Right to Information (RTI) Act for over a decade, using it to highlight issues ranging from air pollution to municipal negligence. 

Public Persona:

Vohra is known for using social media (Twitter/X, Facebook Live) and his blog to raise public awareness and pressure government authorities. He often voices frustration with the slow pace of administrative action on various issues concerning the masses,

you can contact him on Twitter / X @vohrabs for any story,

B S Vohra - A Civic / Environment Activist from Delhi, also known as a Power Expert for his efforts on power tariff and reduction of fixed charges.

Regulatory Assets of Rs 27200 Crore to be paid to Delhi Discoms

Based on recent Supreme Court directives and legal developments in 2025, Delhiites are facing the recovery of significant power sector dues, classified as Regulatory Assets (RAs), which have accumulated to over ₹27,000 crore to ₹28,000 crore. 

Here are the key details regarding the recovery of these regulatory assets:

• Total Amount: As of March 31, 2024, the accumulated regulatory assets (including carrying costs) to be recovered by the three private Delhi DISCOMs—BSES Rajdhani (BRPL), BSES Yamuna (BYPL), and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL)—totaled ₹27,200.37 crore. Some reports, including those from Reliance Infrastructure (which holds stakes in BSES), have indicated this figure could be higher, around ₹28,483 crore as of mid-2025.
• Supreme Court Directive: The Supreme Court (in a judgment around August 2025) mandated that these accumulated regulatory assets must be cleared within a maximum period of four years, starting from April 1, 2024.
• Impact on Consumers: The recovery of these dues is expected to lead to a gradual increase in electricity tariffs or the introduction of specific surcharges (like a power purchase adjustment cost) for consumers in Delhi to bridge the revenue gap.
• Why These Assets Existed: Regulatory assets are deferred revenue gaps created when the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) did not increase consumer tariffs to match the actual costs incurred by DISCOMs, allowing them to book these losses as assets to be recovered in future years.
• Proposed Timeline Dispute: While the SC mandated a 4-year period, the DERC has requested a seven-year period to recover the dues (specifically ₹31,552 crore in a later filing) to reduce the immediate financial shock on consumers, warning that a 4-year timeline could cause a 70–80% spike in tariffs.
• Status of Recovery: The DERC has initiated the process for tariff revision, including public hearings on petitions for the recovery of these dues. 

Breakdown of Regulatory Assets (as of March 31, 2024):

• BSES Rajdhani (BRPL): ₹12,993.53 crore
• BSES Yamuna (BYPL): ₹8,419.14 crore
• Tata Power Delhi (TPDDL): ₹5,787.70 crore 

Please feel free to contact Power Expert B S Vohra for any story on the issue.

Twitter @vohrabs

B S Vohra, A Civic Activist from Delhi

BS Vohra is a prominent civic activist and the president of the East Delhi RWA Joint Front (or Federation of East Delhi RWAs). He is a frequent spokesperson for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in Delhi, particularly on issues related to civic infrastructure, safety, and administrative accountability. 

Latest News & Key Advocacy (2025–2026)

Air Pollution & Road Safety (February 2026): Vohra has recently been vocal on social media regarding Delhi's hazardous air quality and the rising number of pothole-related deaths. He has submitted suggestions to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to mitigate pollution through better traffic management.

Civic Woes & Election Demands (January 2025): Ahead of upcoming elections, Vohra has criticized the lack of progress in tackling Delhi's "garbage mountains," waterlogging, and traffic congestion. He is advocating for more powers for RWAs to directly address local civic issues.

Electricity Surcharges (August 2025): He has strongly opposed the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) plan to allow power distribution companies (discoms) to automatically hike tariffs by up to 10% monthly. He questioned the necessity of the DERC if it fails to act as an effective regulator.

Stray Dog Menace (August 2025): Vohra welcomed a Supreme Court directive to shift stray dogs to shelters, highlighting the safety risks they pose to children and the elderly, while calling for a balance between animal rights and human welfare.

Emergency Preparedness (May 2025): Amid regional security concerns, he coordinated with local RWAs to step up surveillance of outsiders and ensure residents remained calm and prepared. 

General Stance & Role

Political Independence: He has consistently argued that RWAs should remain apolitical and not be used as tools for political parties, expressing caution about government schemes that provide cash assistance directly to RWAs.

Infrastructure: He frequently pushes for the revival of the "Bhagidari" scheme to empower residents to maintain parks and install rainwater harvesting systems without being penalized for space constraints. 

You can follow his latest updates and civic complaints on his official X (formerly Twitter) account at @vohrabs. 

Media - Proactive or Reactive ?

Media has the power not only to inform but also to prevent tragedies by amplifying public issues at the right time. Unfortunately, in most cases, media houses and official agencies reach the spot only after an incident has occurred. By then, the loss is irreversible and coverage becomes reactive rather than preventive.

Repeated public complaints about unsafe roads, faulty infrastructure, negligence, and delayed responses often go unnoticed until they result in loss of precious lives. If media houses consistently highlighted these issues beforehand and demanded accountability, many tragedies could be avoided. Journalism should serve as an early warning system for society, not merely a recorder of disasters.

I hope media organizations will recognize their responsibility toward public safety and prioritize issues that matter before it is too late.

Open letter to Delhi Environment Minister for a PUCC for BS4 EOL vehicles allowed by SC in Delhi

Dear Sir,

The BS-IV End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles are currently not being issued PUCC certificates. As a result, vehicle owners are unable to use their vehicles, despite the Hon’ble Supreme Court permitting their usage and your categorical statement that fitness, rather than the age of the vehicle, should be the determining factor.

A large number of these four-wheelers are owned by senior citizens who use them only occasionally. However, these vehicles are a vital means of mobility for them, especially during odd hours and for essential movement.

We therefore request you to kindly look into this matter and allow the issuance of fitness certificates / PUCC for the BS4 EOL Vehicles that have been allowed by the Supreme Court.

Best regards,

B S Vohra, Environment Activist President, East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

Capping Delhi’s AQI: A Dangerous Illusion of Control

Capping Delhi’s AQI: A Dangerous Illusion of Control

Delhi’s officially reported Air Quality Index (AQI) has become less a measure of public health risk and more a tool of convenient understatement. By design, the AQI ceases to meaningfully differentiate pollution levels once they cross the “severe” threshold. Air that is catastrophically toxic is reduced to a single number, offering little sense of the escalating harm residents are forced to inhale each day.

While agencies such as the Delhi Pollution Control Committee continue to release real-time data on pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10, the translation of this data into public warning remains deliberately restrained. The AQI, rather than reflecting the true intensity of exposure, merely signals that the air is “hazardous”, without communicating how much worse it is becoming. In effect, capping the AQI dulls public perception of risk.

This numerical ceiling has provided the government a convenient shield. Officials often argue that the “official AQI has not crossed a certain limit,” that World Health Organization standards are only advisory, or that definitive links between pollution and disease are still being debated. Such claims ignore a vast body of global medical evidence and, more importantly, shift focus away from accountability and urgent action.

The result is widespread public confusion. A well-informed minority continues to raise alarms, citing medical research and lived experience. Meanwhile, many citizens move about unprotected, even as doctors and health experts issue repeated warnings. Mixed messaging and the absence of a clear emergency declaration have diluted the seriousness of the crisis in the public mind.

Behind this statistical calm, hospitals reveal the reality. Emergency rooms are witnessing a surge in respiratory and cardiac cases, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Yet, despite these warning signs, the government has stopped short of declaring a public health emergency or unveiling comprehensive mitigation and protection strategies.

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is no longer episodic, it is systemic. By capping the AQI, authorities risk normalizing an abnormal condition and postponing difficult policy decisions. Numbers that fail to reflect reality do not protect citizens; they endanger them. Transparency, truthful risk communication, and decisive intervention are no longer optional, they are overdue.

B S Vohra, Environment Activist President, East Delhi RWAs Joint Front, Delhi, India

The Crux of Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis: B S Vohra, Environment Activist

The Crux of Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis

Delhi’s air pollution crisis demands attention through two equally important and inseparable aspects: mitigation of pollution and saving precious lives. Treating one as more important than the other weakens the response. In a city where toxic air regularly exceeds safe limits, policy and action must move on both tracks at the same time.

Mitigation addresses the root causes of air pollution. It is the long-term solution that ensures future generations can breathe safely. In Delhi, major contributors include vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, coal-based power, and seasonal stubble burning in neighboring states. Reducing pollution at the source requires structural change: cleaner fuels, electric public transport, strict emission norms, dust control at construction sites, and sustainable farming practices. Urban planning must reduce congestion and increase green spaces, while industries must be held accountable through continuous monitoring and penalties. Mitigation is slow, complex, and politically challenging, but without it, Delhi will remain trapped in a cycle of recurring pollution emergencies.

However, mitigation alone does not save lives in the present. Pollution levels in Delhi often reach hazardous levels where health damage occurs immediately. This brings us to the second equally vital aspect: protecting people and saving lives right now. Air pollution is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health emergency. Children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and those with heart or lung disease suffer the most. When air quality turns severe, hospitals fill with patients facing asthma attacks, heart stress, and respiratory infections. Many deaths linked to pollution are preventable with timely protection and healthcare access.

Saving lives requires emergency-style responses. High-pollution days should trigger health alerts, school closures, work-from-home advisories, temporary lock downs, and traffic restrictions. Hospitals must be prepared with adequate staff and resources, and treatment for pollution-related illness should be affordable or free during critical periods. Protective measures such as N95 masks, clean indoor air in schools and public buildings, and clear public guidance can significantly reduce harm. Clean-air shelters and indoor air filtration can provide relief in the worst-hit neighborhoods.

The central truth is this: people cannot be asked to sacrifice their health today in the hope of cleaner air tomorrow. At the same time, temporary protection without long-term mitigation only postpones the crisis. Delhi’s approach must recognize that every year of delay costs lives, productivity, and dignity.

Therefore, mitigation and life-saving measures must carry equal weight in planning, funding, and enforcement. Success should be measured not only by reduced pollution levels in the future, but also by fewer hospitalizations and deaths today. Clean air is a right, but until it is achieved, protecting human life must remain just as urgent.

Delhi does not have the luxury of choosing between cleaner air and saving lives. It must do both, together, immediately, and consistently. You cannot ask people to wait to breathe while mitigation slowly works. And you cannot save lives permanently without cutting pollution at its source.

Written by:

B S Vohra, Environment Activist, President, East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

We want constructive & not cosmetic measures to save Delhi from the grip of severe air pollution.

Delhi is facing an extremely grim situation due to hazardous + air pollution across the city. Officially reported AQI levels have crossed 465, i.e. over 30 times higher than WHO standards. Unofficially, and visibly, the AQI appears to be 60-80 times above safe limits. Despite this alarming crisis, authorities continue to play cosmetic GRAP measures across Delhi NCR.

The lives of crores of citizens are at serious risk due to life threatening medical emergency, yet there is no decisive action such as implementing vehicular odd-even measures to curb emissions. Schools continue in hybrid mode, masks are still not mandatory, and there is no consideration of a short lockdown to protect public health.

At the very least, the government could announce free Metro and DTC services and strongly discourage the use of private vehicles. Shockingly, no visible or constructive steps are being taken to safeguard the health of Delhiites.

"We want constructive & not cosmetic measures to save Delhi from the grip of severe air pollution", says B S Vohra, an Environment Activist, and President of the East Delhi RWAs Joint Front

While doctors advise residents to leave the city and courts shift to virtual hearings to avoid severe air pollution, offices and markets remain open in the name of protecting the economy. Water sprinklers are reportedly used near monitoring stations to downplay pollution severity, yet no advisories urge citizens to stay indoors. Meanwhile, air purifiers, now a basic necessity rather than a luxury, continue to attract an 18% GST.

Those in positions of power appear to lack a clear understanding of AQI, while the authorities tasked with its administration seem preoccupied with routine formalities rather than effective implementation.

The situation is dire, and superficial measures are insufficient to prevent serious respiratory and other health emergencies. There is a clear absence of political will and administrative resolve, making any meaningful improvement unlikely. Instead, authorities appear to be relying on seasonal changes and shifting wind patterns to provide temporary relief.

Using groundwater with uranium above 30 ppb (parts per billion) for cooking can pose health risks — mainly from chronic ingestion, not from external contact.

Here’s a clear, safe explanation:

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🚰 What happens if water with >30 ppb uranium is used for cooking?

✅ 1. Uranium does not evaporate or break down during cooking

When you boil rice, dal, vegetables, etc.:

• Water evaporates

• Uranium stays behind and becomes more concentrated in the food

So if the starting water has 30+ ppb, the final concentration in food may be even higher.

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⚠️ 2. Main health risk: Kidney damage (chemical toxicity)

The biggest concern is chemical toxicity, not radiation.

Long-term intake of uranium-contaminated water can cause:

• Damage to kidney tubules

• Increased creatinine levels

• Reduced filtration ability

• Protein/leakage in urine

This happens because uranium acts like a heavy metal toxin.

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⚠️ 3. Radiation risk is much smaller but not zero

Uranium gives off low-level alpha radiation. When ingested in small quantities, chemical toxicity happens much earlier than radiation harm.

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🍚 Does cooking make the contamination worse?

Yes. In foods like:

• Rice

• Tea

• Soups

• Lentils

The water volume reduces, but the uranium stays → higher concentration in the final food.

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👶 Who is most vulnerable?

• Children

• Pregnant women

• People with kidney disease

• Elderly

For them, even moderate exposure is more harmful.

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🛡️ Safe vs Unsafe Levels

• WHO guideline: ≤30 ppb in drinking water

• Many studies show kidney effects beginning near 15–30 ppb with chronic use

Cooking water should ideally meet the same standards as drinking water.

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🏠 What can you do? (Practical solutions)

✔️ Safe options

• Use RO water (RO removes 90–99% uranium)

• Use bottled water for drinking + cooking

• Use community RO plants

• Test your groundwater every 6–12 months

❌ Boiling water does NOT remove uranium

It actually increases concentration.

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🧪 Should you stop using your current groundwater for cooking?

If uranium >30 ppb:
👉 Yes — avoid using it for drinking and cooking.

Use RO-treated or alternative water.

B S Vohra

Environment Activist

500 से 999 और उस के भी ऊपर वाला AQI किस केटेगरी में आता है ?

 CPCB के मानकों के अनुसार, शून्य से 50 के बीच AQI ‘अच्छा’, 51 से 100 ‘संतोषजनक’, 101 से 200 ‘मध्यम’, 201 से 300 ‘खराब’, 301 से 400 ‘बहुत खराब’ और 401 से 500 के बीच एक्यूआई ‘गंभीर’ माना जाता है। 

लेकिन 500 से 999 और उस के भी ऊपर वाला AQI किस केटेगरी में आता है ?

B S Vohra

East Delhi RWAs Joint Front;

Delhi RWAs Pollution Control Committee (DRPCC)

Delhi RWAs Pollution Control Committee (DRPCC) Formed to Tackle Capital’s Worsening Air Crisis

PRESS RELEASE

Delhi RWAs Pollution Control Committee (DRPCC) Formed to Tackle Capital’s Worsening Air Crisis

In a decisive move to confront Delhi’s escalating air pollution emergency, B. S. Vohra, an Environment Activist, & President of the East Delhi RWAs Joint Front, as well Convener of the RWA Bhagidari Network, has announced the formation of the Delhi RWAs Pollution Control Committee (DRPCC).

Vohra stated that the new committee has been established to address the crisis far more seriously and systematically than it has been so far.

“Despite the ongoing efforts of CAQM, CPCB, and DPCC, why does Delhi’s air quality continue to deteriorate year after year?” he asked. “Does this mean their actions are ineffective, or merely symbolic, lacking real impact?”

Highlighting the stark difference between past achievements and today’s grim reality, Vohra noted:

“In 2010, Delhi successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games. But in 2025, even the BCCI has opted to skip the Under-23 tournament due to pollution concerns.”

He added that the crisis has now reached a point where doctors are advising residents to relocate, and courts have shifted to virtual hearings to safeguard public health.

“Every year, thousands suffer from life-threatening medical conditions linked to pollution, yet authorities still fail to enforce strong, protective measures,” Vohra said.

Concluding with a powerful message, he posed a critical question that reflects the city’s growing frustration:

“Is there no one in the system who can be held accountable for this disaster?”

Vohra added that like-minded RWAs, domain experts, and citizen groups will be brought into the committee, strengthening a collective and sustained movement to save Delhi from the growing threat of air pollution.

By:

DELHI RWAs POLLUTION CONTROL COMMITTEE (DRPCC) 🙏👍💯😭