The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued show-cause notices to six coal-based thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi for failing to adhere to biomass co-firing norms mandated under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023. This regulation aims to reduce stubble burning and enhance air quality. The affected plants are located in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, including facilities like Talwandi Sabo Power Limited and Panipat Thermal Power Station. CAQM emphasized the need for strict compliance to curb emissions and mitigate air pollution in the region.
Thermal Power Plants
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has once again drawn attention to compliance gaps among coal-based thermal power plants regarding biomass co-firing obligations, highlighting a critical challenge in India’s fight against air pollution. The directive is particularly significant for plants operating in and around the National Capital Region, where air quality remains a persistent concern. Biomass co-firing was introduced as a transitional solution to reduce dependency on coal while simultaneously addressing the problem of agricultural residue burning. However, CAQM’s recent observations indicate that several power producers are falling.
Short of mandated blending targets, undermining the effectiveness of this policy intervention Biomass co-firing involves substituting a portion of coal with agricultural residues such as rice straw pellets or briquettes during power generation. This practice reduces emissions of particulate matter and sulfur oxides while offering a sustainable disposal pathway for crop waste that would otherwise be burned in open fields. According to CAQM, inconsistent procurement of biomass pellets, inadequate storage infrastructure, and operational reluctance have contributed to the observed lapses. These shortcomings are not merely technical issues but policy failures.
Binding Directions Scrutiny
That directly affect regional air quality, especially during winter months when pollution levels peak The power sector’s slow adoption of biomass co-firing also raises questions about accountability and enforcement. CAQM has been empowered to issue binding directions, and its scrutiny reflects growing impatience with repeated delays. While the Ministry of Power has outlined clear co-firing targets, implementation on the ground remains uneven. Power plants often cite supply chain constraints, fluctuating biomass quality, and cost concerns as barriers. However, CAQM has emphasized that these challenges cannot justify prolonged non-compliance, especially.
When public health and environmental sustainability are at stake From an environmental perspective, the failure to meet biomass co-firing norms has wider implications beyond immediate air quality. Continued reliance on coal increases greenhouse gas emissions, complicating India’s commitments under global climate frameworks. Biomass co-firing, while not a complete solution, serves as an (Coal) important bridge in the transition toward cleaner energy systems. It supports circular economy principles by converting agricultural waste into energy and reducing the burden on landfills and farmlands. Institutions like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Farmer Engagement Programs
Continue to stress the importance of such hybrid solutions, as detailed on CAQM’s intervention also underscores the need for better coordination between power producers, pellet manufacturers, and state agencies. Ensuring reliable biomass supply requires long-term procurement contracts, investment in storage and handling infrastructure, and farmer engagement programs. Without these systemic changes, compliance will remain inconsistent. The Central Electricity Authority has repeatedly pointed out that logistical readiness is as important as regulatory intent, a view supported by technical guidelines Economic considerations often dominate discussions.
Around biomass co-firing, with operators arguing that pellet costs are higher than conventional coal. However, CAQM has highlighted that environmental externalities and public health costs far outweigh short-term financial concerns. Air pollution-related illnesses place enormous strain on healthcare systems and reduce workforce productivity, especially in densely populated regions like Delhi-NCR. By enforcing co-firing norms, regulators aim to internalize these costs and push the power sector toward more responsible operational practices The role of enforcement mechanisms is now central to the effectiveness of CAQM’s mandate.
Environmental Governance Transparency
The commission has indicated that repeated non-compliance could invite stricter actions, including operational curbs during high-pollution periods. Such measures, while disruptive, are intended to signal seriousness and restore credibility to environmental governance. Transparency in reporting co-firing percentages and third-party audits could further strengthen compliance. The Ministry of Power’s initiatives and notifications related CAQM’s flagging of biomass co-firing lapses should serve as a wake-up call for the power sector. Transitional technologies only work when implemented earnestly and at scale. As India balances energy security with environmental.
Responsibility, coal-based plants must align operational practices with regulatory mandates. Failure to do so risks not only penalties but also reputational damage in an era where sustainability performance increasingly influences investment and public trust. Continued monitoring and (coal) collaborative problem-solving will determine whether biomass co-firing evolves into a genuine emission reduction tool or remains an underutilized policy directive.
Q1. What action has CAQM taken against coal power plants?
CAQM has flagged multiple coal-based power plants for failing to meet mandatory biomass co-firing targets aimed at reducing emissions.
Q2. Why is biomass co-firing important?
Biomass co-firing helps reduce stubble burning, lowers coal consumption, and cuts particulate and carbon emissions.
Q3. Which regions are most affected by these lapses?
Plants supplying power to Delhi-NCR are under scrutiny due to their direct impact on regional air quality.
Q4. Are penalties involved for non-compliance?
CAQM can recommend penalties, stricter monitoring, and operational restrictions for repeated violations.
Q5. How does this impact India’s clean energy goals?
Non-compliance slows emission reduction targets and weakens the transition toward cleaner power generation.
