The 2023 rules mandate all coal-based thermal power plants to co-fire at least five percent biomass pellets or briquettes made from agricultural residue along with coal. For the financial year 2024–25, a minimum co-firing level of over three percent was set as the threshold to avoid environmental penalties.
The policy aims to promote ex-situ management of paddy straw, reduce incidents of stubble burning in northern states, and curb severe air pollution in the NCR and adjoining regions. CAQM has repeatedly emphasized that thermal power plants play a crucial role in addressing crop residue burning through sustained biomass utilization.
Plants Found Non-Compliant
According to CAQM, the following thermal power plants recorded biomass co-firing levels well below the prescribed limits, prompting issuance of show cause notices:
Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (Vedanta) in Mansa, Punjab faces the highest proposed environmental compensation of approximately ₹33.02 crore. Panipat Thermal Power Station in Haryana has been issued a notice proposing ₹8.98 crore as compensation.
Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Station in Yamunanagar is liable for about ₹6.69 crore, while Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant in Hisar faces a proposed penalty of ₹5.55 crore. Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant at Lehra Mohabbat in Punjab may face ₹4.87 crore, and Harduaganj Thermal Power Station in Uttar Pradesh has been proposed compensation of ₹2.74 crore.
Previous Warnings and Supreme Court Directions
CAQM noted that since 2021 it has issued multiple statutory directions to ensure compliance, including Direction No. 42 dated September 17, 2021. Despite repeated monitoring, inspections, and stakeholder consultations, several plants have shown consistent lag in implementation.
In early 2024, the Commission issued notices under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021 to four thermal power plants with a history of poor compliance. A dedicated committee was also constituted to examine representations, if any, submitted by non-compliant plants for FY 2024–25.
Next Steps and Enforcement
The concerned power plants have been directed to submit their written explanations within 15 days of receiving the show cause notices. CAQM has warned that failure to respond or justify non-compliance may result in further action under the provisions of the CAQM Act, including stricter penalties.
Reiterating its commitment to improving air quality, the Commission stated that biomass co-firing remains a critical intervention for reducing pollution levels in the NCR. CAQM affirmed that strict enforcement of statutory directions will continue to ensure long-term compliance by all regulated entities.