The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has imposed an environmental compensation of approximately ₹61.85 crore on six thermal power plants located within a 300-kilometer radius of Delhi. The Ministry of Environment stated that this action was taken due to non-compliance with statutory provisions requiring the use of a 5% blend of biomass pellets or briquettes made from rice straw along with coal. The thermal power plants were found to be non-compliant during a compliance review for the period 2024-25. The Commission has directed these thermal power plants to deposit the imposed environmental compensation by April 15th of this year and provide proof of payment.