CAQM Issues Notices to Six TPPs over Biomass Co-firing Lapses

25 Dec 2025 CW Team

Under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, all coal-based TPPs are required to co-fire a minimum 5 per cent blend of biomass pellets or briquettes made from crop residue, with a threshold of over 3 per cent prescribed for FY 2024–25 to avoid the imposition of environmental compensation (EC). These provisions aim to promote ex-situ management of paddy straw, curb stubble burning and reduce air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas.

CAQM found that biomass co-firing levels at the identified plants remained well below the mandated limits during the review period. Consequently, Show Cause Notices proposing EC have been issued to Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (Vedanta) in Punjab (Rs 330.02 million), Panipat Thermal Power Station in Haryana (Rs 80.98 million), Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Station, Yamunanagar (Rs 60.69 million), Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant, Hisar (Rs 50.55 million), Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant, Lehra Mohabbat (Rs 40.87 million), and Harduaganj Thermal Power Station in Uttar Pradesh (Rs 20.74 million). The total proposed EC across the six plants amounts to approximately Rs 610.85 million.

The Commission noted that despite repeated statutory directions, including Direction No. 42 issued in September 2021, and continued monitoring through reviews and inspections, compliance has remained unsatisfactory. In early 2024, notices under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021 were also issued to persistently non-performing plants.

The concerned TPPs have been directed to submit written explanations within 15 days, failing which further action will be initiated under the CAQM Act. CAQM reiterated that strict enforcement of biomass co-firing norms is essential to reduce air pollution and ensure sustained compliance across the sector.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued Show Cause Notices to six coal-based thermal power plants (TPPs) located within a 300-km radius of Delhi for non-compliance with mandatory biomass co-firing norms. The action follows a detailed review of compliance for FY 2024–25 based on data submitted by the Ministry of Power.Under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, all coal-based TPPs are required to co-fire a minimum 5 per cent blend of biomass pellets or briquettes made from crop residue, with a threshold of over 3 per cent prescribed for FY 2024–25 to avoid the imposition of environmental compensation (EC). These provisions aim to promote ex-situ management of paddy straw, curb stubble burning and reduce air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas.CAQM found that biomass co-firing levels at the identified plants remained well below the mandated limits during the review period. Consequently, Show Cause Notices proposing EC have been issued to Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (Vedanta) in Punjab (Rs 330.02 million), Panipat Thermal Power Station in Haryana (Rs 80.98 million), Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Station, Yamunanagar (Rs 60.69 million), Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant, Hisar (Rs 50.55 million), Guru Hargobind Thermal Power Plant, Lehra Mohabbat (Rs 40.87 million), and Harduaganj Thermal Power Station in Uttar Pradesh (Rs 20.74 million). The total proposed EC across the six plants amounts to approximately Rs 610.85 million.The Commission noted that despite repeated statutory directions, including Direction No. 42 issued in September 2021, and continued monitoring through reviews and inspections, compliance has remained unsatisfactory. In early 2024, notices under Section 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021 were also issued to persistently non-performing plants.The concerned TPPs have been directed to submit written explanations within 15 days, failing which further action will be initiated under the CAQM Act. CAQM reiterated that strict enforcement of biomass co-firing norms is essential to reduce air pollution and ensure sustained compliance across the sector.

Real Estate

15 Jan 2026

Six Flags Qiddiya City Opens as Saudi Arabia’s First Six Flags Park

AtkinsRéalis, in partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company, has delivered Six Flags Qiddiya City, marking the opening of Saudi Arabia’s first Six Flags theme park and the first Six Flags destination built entirely outside North America. The park is the first of 70 major assets planned within Qiddiya City and represents a key milestone in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to develop globally competitive leisure and tourism destinations.The opening ceremony, held under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Province, marks the first major attracti..

Infrastructure Urban

15 Jan 2026

German Chancellor Visits Bosch India Campus in Bengaluru

Strengthening the long-standing partnership between India and Germany, Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, recently visited the Bosch campus at Adugodi, Bengaluru, during his India trip. The delegation was hosted by Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director, Bosch Limited, who showcased key innovations developed in the region.During the visit, the delegation experienced Bosch’s H2ICE demonstrator truck featuring a fully integrated powertrain and telematics system. Bosch India, in collaboration with Bosch Germany, is ad..

Infrastructure Urban

15 Jan 2026

ICC, Maharashtra Sign MoU to Boost Industry Engagement

The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Government of Maharashtra recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and deepen engagement between Indian businesses and the State, with a focus on investment facilitation, ease of doing business and sustained industry–government dialogue.The MoU was signed by Dr P Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary (Industry, Investment and Services), Government of Maharashtra, and Dr Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC, in the presence of leading business representatives.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anbalagan said the partnership..