CAQM Flags Coal Plants Over Biomass Co-Firing Lapses

The notices were issued over non-adherence to provisions requiring the co-firing of pellets or briquettes made from crop residue, as mandated under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023. The regulation is aimed at reducing stubble burning and improving air quality in the region.

The plants served notices include two facilities in Punjab, three in Haryana and one in Uttar Pradesh. In Punjab, the affected units are Talwandi Sabo Power Limited in Mansa and the Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant operated by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited in Lehra Mohabbat.

In Haryana, show-cause notices have been issued to the Panipat Thermal Power Station in Panipat, the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Station in Yamunanagar, and the Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant in Hisar. The Uttar Pradesh facility facing action is the Harduaganj Thermal Power Station, operated by Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited.

CAQM said the enforcement action underscores the importance of strict compliance with biomass co-firing norms by thermal power plants to curb emissions and mitigate air pollution in the NCR and surrounding regions.