Incomplete combustion of biomass, fuels major cause of air pollution
ECONOMY & POLICY

Incomplete combustion of biomass, fuels major cause of air pollution

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, including emissions from traffic, is the primary contributor to air pollution in Delhi. This statement was made in response to an earlier inquiry by the NGT regarding air pollution from sources such as biomass burning, vehicular pollution from old or poorly maintained vehicles, and the use of coal.

In a report dated 18 September, the CPCB referenced a study that identified the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, particularly from traffic, as the dominant contributor to the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate material in Delhi's air. The OP measures the health impacts of exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM), which consists of solids, chemicals, liquids, and aerosols.

According to the CPCB, the study highlighted ammonium chloride and organic aerosols from traffic exhaust, residential heating, and the oxidation of unsaturated vapours from fossil fuels as the main sources of PM in Delhi. The CPCB also noted that steps have been taken to reduce vehicular emissions, such as the introduction of BS-VI compliant engines, which improve fuel combustion and engine efficiency. Additionally, Vapour Recovery Systems (VRS) have been installed at 3,256 petrol stations across the National Capital Region (NCR) to reduce the release of vapours into the environment.

Addressing the issue of biomass burning, including crop stubble, the report mentioned that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing a scheme to subsidise crop residue management machinery and establish custom hiring centres in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. Furthermore, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR has directed thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi and captive power plants in NCR industries to co-fire 5-10% biomass with coal. The use of coal in industries within the NCR has been banned, and biomass has been approved as a fuel.

The report also noted that the CAQM has instructed the state governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to enforce revised action plans to effectively control and eliminate stubble burning.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, including emissions from traffic, is the primary contributor to air pollution in Delhi. This statement was made in response to an earlier inquiry by the NGT regarding air pollution from sources such as biomass burning, vehicular pollution from old or poorly maintained vehicles, and the use of coal. In a report dated 18 September, the CPCB referenced a study that identified the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels, particularly from traffic, as the dominant contributor to the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate material in Delhi's air. The OP measures the health impacts of exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM), which consists of solids, chemicals, liquids, and aerosols. According to the CPCB, the study highlighted ammonium chloride and organic aerosols from traffic exhaust, residential heating, and the oxidation of unsaturated vapours from fossil fuels as the main sources of PM in Delhi. The CPCB also noted that steps have been taken to reduce vehicular emissions, such as the introduction of BS-VI compliant engines, which improve fuel combustion and engine efficiency. Additionally, Vapour Recovery Systems (VRS) have been installed at 3,256 petrol stations across the National Capital Region (NCR) to reduce the release of vapours into the environment. Addressing the issue of biomass burning, including crop stubble, the report mentioned that the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing a scheme to subsidise crop residue management machinery and establish custom hiring centres in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. Furthermore, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR has directed thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi and captive power plants in NCR industries to co-fire 5-10% biomass with coal. The use of coal in industries within the NCR has been banned, and biomass has been approved as a fuel. The report also noted that the CAQM has instructed the state governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to enforce revised action plans to effectively control and eliminate stubble burning.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Next Story
Real Estate

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement