To reduce pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in
the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby areas has sent show-cause notices
to six thermal power plants located within 300 km of Delhi. The notices were
issued for not following the rules on using biomass along with coal, as
required under the Environment (Use of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023.
These rules were introduced to encourage the use of paddy straw outside farms,
reduce stubble burning, and control air pollution in the NCR and nearby regions.
Officials said the power plants did not meet the required standards in the last
financial year, as their use of biomass was much lower than the mandated level
of more than 3–5 per cent.