CAQM Show Cause Notices Thermal Power Plants for Biomass Norm Violations with 61.85 Crore Penalties

New Delhi:  In a decisive move to curb worsening air quality in the Delhi-NCR region and adjoining areas, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued show-cause notices to six major coal-based thermal power plants for failing to meet statutory environmental norms related to biomass co-firing. 

The action aims to strengthen enforcement of air pollution control regulations and push compliance with national environmental goals.

CAQM Show Cause Notices Thermal Power Plants: Strategic Push Against Air Pollution in NCR

The NCR grapples annually with high levels of air pollution, particularly during the winter months when stubble burning, vehicle emissions, construction dust, and industrial emissions worsen smog conditions. Thermal power plant emissions have also been identified as a significant contributor to particulate matter in the region.

Read also: 80% of Delhi-NCR Residents Considering Leaving the City Amid Severe Air Pollution Crisis

To mitigate these challenges, the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023 mandate that coal-based plants blend a minimum percentage of biomass — including pellets and briquettes made from crop residue — with coal. 

For the financial year 2024–25, a minimum threshold of more than 3 % biomass co-firing was required to avoid penalties, with a long-term target of 5% co-firing.

Six Thermal Plants Found Non-Compliant

Following a detailed review of compliance data provided by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, the CAQM determined that six thermal power plants located within a 300 km radius of Delhi failed to meet the prescribed biomass co-firing norms during FY 2024–25. 

These facilities have now been issued show-cause notices, with a total proposed environmental compensation (EC) of approximately ₹61.85 crore.

CAQM Show Cause Notices Thermal Power Plants: Details of Power Plants

The six thermal power plants and the proposed penalties include:

Importance of CAQM Show Cause Notices Thermal Power Plants

Here are the key reasons why CAQM show cause notices thermal power plants makes a good impact to curb air pollution in Delhi NCR; 

Written Explanation Within 15 Days

The show-cause notices require the plant operators to submit a written explanation within 15 days from the date of issue. 

Failure to provide satisfactory compliance plans or justifications may trigger further legal action, including the imposition of fines, sanctions, or other enforcement measures under the Commission for Air Quality Management Act, 2021.

Tackling Stubble Burning and Promoting Ex-situ Management

The biomass co-firing policy is designed to promote ex-situ utilization of paddy straw and crop residue, offering an alternative to open-field burning — a leading contributor to winter pollution in north India. By creating demand for crop residue as fuel, authorities aim to reduce particulate matter and improve air quality in Delhi and nearby regions.

Broader Enforcement Measures by CAQM

This latest enforcement action is part of broader efforts by CAQM to combat air pollution in NCR. In recent months, the Commission has instituted multiple measures, including:

• Banning entry of non-BS VI commercial vehicles in NCR to reduce vehicular emissions.

• Undertaking comprehensive reviews of municipal solid waste management to prevent open burning.

• Issuing directives to curb violations by construction, industrial units, and diesel generators across Haryana and NCR cities.

These steps are part of a multi-pronged strategy to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and improve air quality outcomes.

Read also: CAQM’s Operation Clean Air: 26 Flying Squads Uncover 35 Road Dust Hotspots in Delhi, Highlighting MCD’s Poor Dust Control