CAQM Imposes Rs 618.5 Million Compensation On Six Power Plants

09 Apr 2026 CW Team

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas imposed environmental compensation of Rs 618.5 million (mn) on six thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi for failing to use a five per cent blend of biomass pellets or briquettes with coal. The Environmental (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023 require coal-based plants to utilise a five per cent blend, with a minimum three per cent co-firing prescribed for FY 2024-25 to avoid compensation. The provisions aim to promote ex-situ management of crop residue and to reduce paddy straw burning and related air pollution in the region.

A committee with representatives from the Commission, the Central Electricity Authority, SAMARTH and the Central Pollution Control Board reviewed compliance for 2024-25, examined data and submissions, and held hearings. It found that the explanations provided by the six plants did not show earnest efforts to comply.

The committee recommended compensation for the named plants. Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, Mansa, Punjab: Rs 330.2 mn; Panipat Thermal Power Station, Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited: Rs 89.8 mn; Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant, HPGCL: Rs 66.9 mn; Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant, HPGCL: Rs 55.5 mn; Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited: Rs 48.7 mn; Harduaganj Thermal Power Station, Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited: Rs 27.4 mn.

The total compensation amounts to Rs 618.5 mn and the Commission has directed the concerned entities to deposit the sums by 15.04.2026 and to submit proof of payment. The Commission said biomass co-firing is crucial for ex-situ management of crop residue, reducing paddy straw burning and mitigating air pollution in the national capital region and adjoining areas, and it will continue strict enforcement and monitoring.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Aug 2026

Surya Roshni delivers customised lighting for NCRTC RRTS stations

Surya Roshni has supplied customised indoor lighting solutions for 18 elevated stations on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation's (NCRTC) Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), strengthening its presence in India's infrastructure lighting segment.The project involved the design and deployment of lighting systems for platforms, concourses, foot overbridges (FOBs) and back-of-house (BOH) areas. According to the company, the luminaires were developed specifically to meet NCRTC's design, operational and performance requirements rather than using standard products.Surya introduced two custo..

Hilton debuts Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam

Hilton has opened NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam and expanding its lifestyle hospitality portfolio in Southeast Asia.Located along the Co Co River in Cam Thanh village, the 174-key resort provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach and the Cam Thanh Nipa Forest. The property has been designed by Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, incorporating biophilic architecture, locally sourced materials and riverfront landscapes.The resort offers a mix of guest rooms and suites, including family-frien..

Electrent expands lithium energy storage system portfolio

Electrent Energy has expanded its lithium-based energy storage portfolio with the launch of the ESS 850 and ESS 1050, targeting compact and maintenance-free power backup solutions for Indian homes.The new systems integrate a Home UPS and a LiFePO4 lithium battery into a single unit, extending the company's product range following the launch of its ESS 1350 and ESS 2500 models.Designed for apartments and smaller homes, the ESS 850 provides up to 1 hour 15 minutes of backup, while the ESS 1050 offers up to 1 hour 45 minutes on a typical 400 W household load. The systems can power essential appli..