The Commission for Air Quality Management takes decisive action against thermal power plants for non-compliance with crucial biomass co-firing norms, emphasizing sustainable practices for a cleaner NCR.
Understanding the Mandate
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is actively addressing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) by issuing show cause notices to six thermal power plants (TPPs) for non-compliance with mandatory biomass co-firing norms. This action underscores CAQM’s dedication to pollution control and the enforcement of environmental regulations, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in India’s energy sector.
The failure of these TPPs to adhere to the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, hinders national efforts to combat air pollution, particularly stubble burning. These rules, effective from July 11, 2023, mandate that all coal-based TPPs co-fire a minimum of 5% biomass pellets or briquettes derived from crop residue with coal. For the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, TPPs were required to achieve over 3% co-firing to avoid environmental compensation.
The objective is to promote the ex-situ management of paddy straw, reduce stubble burning incidents, and significantly improve air quality in the NCR and surrounding areas. Despite clear directives and urgent environmental needs, CAQM’s review of FY 2024-25 compliance data from the Ministry of Power revealed unsatisfactory performance. Several key plants operated with biomass co-firing levels substantially below the mandated thresholds, leading to the current enforcement actions. This non-compliance weakens environmental policy and perpetuates the air pollution cycle affecting millions.
Violations & Penalties
The six thermal power plants facing CAQM biomass co-firing violations are critical facilities located within a 300 km radius of Delhi. The total proposed Environmental Compensation (EC) for these plants amounts to approximately ₹61.85 crore. Each plant has a 15-day period to submit a written explanation.
- Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL – Vedanta) in Mansa, Punjab: ₹33.02 crore.
- Panipat Thermal Power Station (PTPS) in Panipat, Haryana: ₹8.98 crore.
- Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Station (DCRTPS) in Yamunanagar, Haryana: ₹6.69 crore.
- Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant (RGTPP) in Hisar, Haryana: ₹5.55 crore.
- PSPCL – Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant in Lehra Mohabbat, Punjab: ₹4.87 crore.
- Harduaganj Thermal Power Station, UPRVUNL, Uttar Pradesh: ₹2.74 crore.
An infographic showing the six thermal power plants that received show cause notices for CAQM biomass co-firing violations, detailing their names, locations, and proposed environmental compensation amounts.
Unpacking the 2023 Rules: CAQM’s Mandate
These rules, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, are designed as a multi-faceted strategy to combat air pollution and promote sustainability. They establish a framework for enforcement and economic considerations beyond the mandatory 5% blend:
Applicability
Primarily targets the NCR and adjoining areas, acknowledging specific environmental challenges.
EC Structure
Graduated penalties for non-compliance, starting at ₹0.01 per unit for 2-3% utilization in FY 2024-25.
Tariff Determination
Regulatory Commissions incorporate crop residue utilization costs into electricity tariffs.
Relaxation Provisions
CAQM may grant case-by-case relaxations for unforeseen difficulties after consultation.
The Environmental Imperative: Benefits of Biomass Co-firing
Biomass co-firing is not merely a regulatory requirement but a strategic intervention offering significant environmental and economic advantages.
Decarbonization & Emission Reduction
A key benefit is substantial carbon emission reduction. Biomass is generally considered carbon-neutral, offsetting CO2 released during combustion. Substituting coal reduces TPPs’ carbon footprint, with a mandate to achieve 7% co-firing by 2025-26.
Tackling Stubble Burning & Air Quality
Biomass co-firing directly mitigates air pollution from agricultural waste burning. Utilizing residues as fuel offers an effective ex-situ management solution, reducing farm fires and improving ambient air quality, supported by schemes like SAMARTH.
Resource Utilization & Economic Diversification
India generates substantial agricultural residue and municipal solid waste. Co-firing transforms these waste streams into valuable energy resources, aligning with initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, reducing pollution, diversifying fuel sources, and stimulating local economies.
A clear diagram illustrating the process of biomass co-firing in a thermal power plant, showing the introduction and blending of biomass pellets with coal, and highlighting the resultant reduction in CO2 emissions and the utilization of agricultural waste.
A visual composition featuring the CAQM logo alongside symbolic imagery representing environmental enforcement, clean air, and the concepts of ‘justice’ or ‘regulation’.
CAQM’s Expanding Role in Environmental Enforcement
The Commission for Air Quality Management is a statutory body with extensive powers, superseding other pollution control boards within its jurisdiction. Its functions are crucial for ensuring environmental compliance:
- Overriding Authority: CAQM directives are binding and take precedence over state-level orders, ensuring a unified approach to air quality management.
- Enforcement Powers: The Commission can issue enforceable directions, restrict polluting activities, and order closures or utility disconnections for non-compliance.
- Penalties: Non-adherence carries severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine of up to ₹1 crore.
- Monitoring & GRAP: CAQM conducts regular inspections, monitors state governments, and implements the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) based on air quality forecasts.
Challenges and The Path Forward
Despite clear mandates and significant potential benefits, the adoption of biomass co-firing across India remains inconsistent. Challenges include limited biomass pellet production capacity, complex supply chain logistics, and technical hurdles at older power generation facilities. As of mid-2025, while 71 TPPs nationwide have implemented co-firing, many continue to struggle with meeting their targets.
CAQM consistently emphasizes that biomass co-firing is a non-negotiable intervention for effective crop residue management and air pollution reduction in the NCR. The recent issuance of show cause notices for CAQM biomass co-firing violations demonstrates its commitment to strict enforcement. Moving forward, sustained collaboration among power producers, biomass suppliers, and government agencies is essential to overcome implementation challenges and ensure universal compliance, ultimately contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable energy future for the National Capital Region and beyond.
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