Six Thermal Power Plants Fined ₹61.85 Crore for Non-Compliance in Delhi Region
Six thermal power plants in 300km proximity to Delhi penalised ₹61.85cr for flouting norms
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed a ₹61.85 crore fine on six thermal power plants within 300 kilometers of Delhi for failing to comply with biomass co-firing regulations. The plants were required to use a 5% blend of biomass pellets with coal to reduce air pollution.
- 01Six thermal power plants penalized a total of ₹61.85 crore for non-compliance with biomass co-firing norms.
- 02Talwandi Sabo Power Limited in Punjab received the largest fine of ₹33.02 crore.
- 03The CAQM's regulations aim to reduce air pollution and promote better management of crop residue.
- 04Power plants must deposit fines by April 15 and provide proof to the CAQM.
- 05Officials from the penalized plants cite market shortages and technical limitations as reasons for non-compliance.
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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed six thermal power plants (TPPs) within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi to pay a total of ₹61.85 crore (approximately $7.5 million USD) in environmental compensation for not adhering to biomass co-firing norms. These plants failed to incorporate a 5% blend of biomass pellets made from paddy straw with coal, as mandated by the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023. The CAQM's regulations aim to mitigate air pollution and manage agricultural waste effectively. Among the penalized plants, Talwandi Sabo Power Limited in Mansa, Punjab, faced the highest fine of ₹33.02 crore, while others in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh received varying amounts. The deadline for these plants to pay the fines is April 15, and they must provide proof of payment to the CAQM. Some officials from the power plants have expressed concerns about the availability of biomass pellets and the technical feasibility of co-firing, suggesting that compliance is challenging under current market conditions.
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The fines imposed on these thermal power plants may lead to increased operational costs, which could affect electricity prices for consumers in the region.
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