The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas has issued Show Cause Notices to six coal-fired Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) located within 300 km of Delhi, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Tuesday.
The notices target these plants for failing to meet mandatory requirements under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023. These rules require coal-based TPPs to co-fire a minimum proportion of biomass pellets or briquettes made from crop residues along with coal. The move follows a detailed review of compliance for the financial year 2024-25, based on data submitted by the Ministry of Power.
Under the 2023 rules, TPPs must use at least 5% biomass in their fuel mix, with a threshold of over 3% for FY 2024-25 to avoid Environmental Compensation (EC). The regulations were introduced to encourage the proper disposal of paddy straw, curb stubble burning, and reduce air pollution in Delhi and surrounding regions.
Since 2021, CAQM has been actively monitoring adherence to these provisions, issuing multiple statutory directions—including Direction No. 42 on September 17, 2021—and carrying out periodic inspections. Despite these efforts, the compliance levels of several TPPs have remained well below mandated limits for FY 2024-25, prompting the issuance of Show Cause Notices proposing the imposition of EC.
Earlier in 2024, following persistent non-compliance and directions from the Supreme Court, the Commission issued notices under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021, to four TPPs with consistently poor performance. Additionally, seven other plants and relevant authorities were alerted to take immediate corrective measures. A committee was also formed to examine representations from non-compliant TPPs for the current financial year.
The affected power plants now have 15 days from the receipt of the notices to submit written explanations. Failure to respond will lead to further action under the CAQM Act, 2021, including measures authorized under Section 14.
CAQM emphasized that biomass co-firing is a key strategy for managing crop residues off-site and reducing air pollution in NCR and neighboring areas. The Commission affirmed its commitment to strict enforcement of statutory directives to ensure sustained compliance across all regulated facilities.
