A central government agency has issued show-cause notices to six thermal power plants within 300km of Delhi for violating biomass co-firing norms, and has proposed a total environmental compensation of Rs 61.85 crore for the violation.
Delhi, in recent weeks, has suffered from a critical level of pollution and Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) norms were imposed in the national capital stopping a range of activities which might trigger air pollution.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued show-cause notices to the six coal-based thermal power plants, a statement issued by the Union government on December 23 said. The CAQM issued the notices “for non-compliance with the mandatory provisions relating to co-firing of pellets or briquettes made from crop residue,” the statement said.
Co-firing is the burning of two or more fuels together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also cut costs.
The power plants were notified under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023. The notices were issued following a review of compliance status for financial year 2024–25, based on data provided by the Union ministry of power.
The rules mandate all thermal power plants to utilise a minimum 5 per cent blend of biomass pellets or briquettes made of crop residue along with coal, with more than 3 per cent co-firing prescribed for financial year 2024–25 in order to avoid imposition of Environmental Compensation (EC).
“These statutory provisions were notified with the objective of promoting ex-situ management of paddy straw, reducing incidents of stubble burning and mitigating air pollution in NCR and adjoining areas,” says the statement. CAQM has issued several statutory directions since 2021 and has monitored implementation according to co-firing norms, the government claimed.
Crores fixed as compensation
During 2024-2025, the six thermal power plants that were found to not meet the compliance norms include;
* Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL, Vedanta), Mansa, Punjab. Proposed compensation: Rs 33.02 crore
* Panipat Thermal Power Station (PTPS), Panipat, Haryana. Proposed compensation: Rs 8.98 crore.
* Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Station (DCRTPS), Yamunanagar, Haryana. Proposed compensation: Rs 6.69 crore.
* Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant (RGTPP), Hisar, Haryana. Proposed compensation: Rs 5.55 crore.
* PSPCL — Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant, Lehra Mohabbat, Punjab. Proposed compensation: Rs 4.87 Crore;
* Harduaganj Thermal Power Station, UPRVUNL, Uttar Pradesh. Proposed compensation: .Rs 2.74 crore.
The total proposed compensation for the six plants adds up to Rs 61.85 crore.
Asked to respond within 15 days
CAQM had reviewed the matter with all stakeholders, including the power plants and had issued notices in early 2024 to four thermal power plants, stated the report.
The thermal power plants who have received the show-cause notices have “been directed to submit their written explanations within 15 days from the date of issue of the show-cause notices. Failing which further action shall be initiated in accordance with the provisions of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, including action under Section 14 of the Act,” the statement said. .
The Commission reiterates that biomass co-firing in TPPs is a critical intervention for effective ex-situ management of crop residue and for reduction of air pollution in NCR and Adjoining Areas.