New Delhi, April 8 The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas has levied environmental compensation amounting to over ₹61 crore on six thermal power plants operating within a 300 km radius of Delhi for non-compliance of bio-emission norms, according to officials.
The Environment (Utilization of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023 mandate all coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) to utilize a 5% blend of biomass pellets or briquettes along with coal, with a minimum threshold of 3% co-firing prescribed for the fiscal year 2024-25 to avoid the imposition of environmental compensation.
These provisions were enacted to promote the ex-situ management of crop residue, reduce instances of paddy straw burning, and mitigate air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas.
"During the review of compliance for the period 2024-25, six thermal power plants were found to be non-compliant. Accordingly, a committee comprising members from CAQM, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the Sustainable Agrarian Mission on use of Agri-Residue in Thermal Power Plants (SAMARTH), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted," a senior official said.
"The committee was formed to review and consider representations submitted by the TPPs seeking relaxation on the environmental compensation imposed on them for non-utilization of crop residue on a case-by-case basis. The committee examined performance data, compliance status, written submissions, and the grounds cited by the TPPs, and also provided an opportunity for a personal hearing to the concerned entities," the official added.
The officials stated that the total environmental compensation imposed across these six non-compliant TPPs amounts to approximately ₹61.85 crore.
"The commission has directed the concerned TPPs to deposit the imposed environmental compensation by April 15 and submit proof of such deposit to the commission," the official added.