CAQM issues show-cause notices to six thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi over biomass co-firing violations
The notices were issued after a review of compliance for FY 2024–25, based on data submitted by the Ministry of Power, revealed that the plants had failed to meet the prescribed minimum levels of co-firing biomass pellets or briquettes made from crop residue.
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued show-cause notices to six coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) located within a 300km radius of Delhi for failing to comply with mandatory norms on biomass co-firing.
The notices were issued after a review of compliance for FY 2024–25, based on data submitted by the Ministry of Power, revealed that the plants had failed to meet the prescribed minimum levels of co-firing biomass pellets or briquettes made from crop residue.
Under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, all coal-based TPPs are required to use a minimum 5 per cent blend of biomass along with coal. For FY 2024–25, plants were required to achieve over 3 per cent co-firing to avoid the imposition of environmental compensation (EC).
List of non-compliant power plants
According to CAQM, the following power plants were found to be non-compliant and have been proposed environmental compensation totalling approximately Rs 61.85 crore:
- Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (Vedanta), Punjab – Rs 33.02 crore
- Panipat Thermal Power Station, Haryana – Rs 8.98 crore
- Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Station, Yamunanagar, Haryana – Rs 6.69 crore
- Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant, Hisar, Haryana – Rs 5.55 crore
- Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant, PSPCL, Punjab – Rs 4.87 crore
- Harduaganj Thermal Power Station, UPRVUNL, Uttar Pradesh – Rs 2.74 crore
The Commission said biomass co-firing levels at these plants remained well below the mandated thresholds, despite repeated statutory directions issued since 2021, including Direction No. 42 dated September 17, 2021.
TPPs directed to submit written explanations
CAQM noted that it had carried out multiple reviews and inspections and had also issued notices under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021, to power plants showing consistently poor compliance. A committee was also constituted to examine representations from non-compliant plants for FY 2024–25.
The six TPPs have been directed to submit their written explanations within 15 days of receiving the notices. Failure to respond may invite further action under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, including proceedings under Section 14.
Biomass co-firing is aimed at promoting ex-situ management of crop residue, reducing stubble burning, and mitigating air pollution in the NCR and adjoining regions. The Commission said it would continue strict enforcement to ensure sustained compliance by regulated entities.