CAQM imposes penalty of Rs 61 cr on six thermal power plants in Delhi-NCR

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas has levied environmental compensation of over Rs 61 crore on six thermal power plants operational within a radius of 300 km in Delhi for non-compliance of bio-emission norms, according to officials.

The Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023 mandate all coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) to utilise a five pc blend of biomass pellets or briquettes along with coal, with a minimum threshold of three per cent co-firing prescribed for FY 2024–25 to avoid imposition of environmental compensation.

The statutory provisions were notified to promote ex-situ management of crop residue, reduce instances of paddy straw burning and mitigate air pollution in the national capital region (NCR) and adjoining areas.

“During review of compliance for the period 2024-25, six thermal power plants were found non-compliant. Accordingly, a committee was constituted comprising members from CAQM, Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Sustainable Agrarian Mission on use of Agri-Residue in Thermal Power Plants (SAMARTH) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),” a senior official said.

“The committee was framed to review and consider representations submitted by TPPs seeking relaxation on the Environmental Compensation imposed on them for non-utilisation of crop residue on case-to-case basis. The committee examined performance data, compliance status, written submissions and grounds cited by the TPPs and also provided an opportunity for a personal hearing to the concerned entities,” the official added.

The officials informed that the total environmental compensation imposed across these six non-compliant TPPs amounts to approximately Rs 61.85 crore.

“The commission has directed the concerned TPPs to deposit the imposed environmental compensation latest by April 15 and submit proof of such deposit to the commission,” the official added.