Incomplete combustion of biomass, fuels major cause of air pollution

27 Sep 2024 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Recycling Leaders Push for Policy Reforms in India

As India prepares for the largest recycling-focused event in its history, industry leaders are making a strong case for policy reforms to unlock the country’s circular economy potential. Ahead of the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, co-located with Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, a high-level panel discussion in Mumbai spotlighted the urgent need for regulatory clarity, digital innovation, and integration of the informal sector.Held under the theme “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling”, the panel brought together prominent voices from across the recy..

Infrastructure Energy

13 Oct 2025

Environmental Hearing Set for 1000 MW Naying Hydro Project

The environmental public hearing for the 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project will take place on November 12 at Yapik community hall in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The run-of-the-river project on the Siyom (Yomgo) river is being developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). Construction, including a concrete dam, underground powerhouse, and tunnel, is expected to commence around 2028, with commissioning planned by 2032. The project aims to generate approximately 4,966.77 GWh of electricity. The Naying project received Central Electricity ..

Infrastructure Energy

13 Oct 2025

India Achieves 490 MWh Energy Storage Capacity by June 2025

India’s cumulative energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by June 2025, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Of this, more than 85 per cent is associated with renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, reflecting the country’s accelerated shift towards grid stability and clean energy integration. The CEA report highlights that 16 energy storage systems are currently operational across 10 states, with major installations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These include both standalone and co-located battery systems deployed by le..