In an effort to curb air pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas has issued show-cause notices to six thermal power plants located within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi for non-compliance with mandated biomass co-firing norms.

The notices have been issued under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, which aim to promote ex-situ management of paddy straw, reduce incidents of stubble burning and mitigate air pollution across the NCR and surrounding regions. According to CAQM, the compliance performance of the identified plants during the previous financial year was found to be unsatisfactory, with biomass co-firing levels remaining well below the prescribed threshold of more than 3–5 per cent.

The Commission has proposed total environmental compensation exceeding Rs 610 million for the six thermal power plants. It has directed the concerned entities to submit written explanations within 15 days from the date of issuance of the show-cause notices, warning that failure to respond or comply would invite strict regulatory action.

CAQM reiterated that biomass co-firing at thermal power plants is a critical intervention for effective ex-situ crop residue management and plays a key role in reducing air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas, particularly during the peak stubble-burning season.