Industries in Delhi-NCR using unapproved fuels, including coal, to be shut down from Jan 1

Industries in Delhi-NCR using unapproved fuels, including coal, to be shut down from Jan 1

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday said industries using unapproved fuels, including coal, in Delhi-NCR will be closed down straightaway from January 1 and heavy fines will be imposed on them.

The ban on heavily polluting fuels like coal, Light Diesel Oil (LDO) and Naptha in NCR will come into effect on January 1, 2023. The agency said that it will impose a fine on industries found using unapproved fuels. However, the use of low-sulphur coal in thermal power plants is allowed, it said.

“Use of unapproved fuels w.e.f. 01st January, 2023 to straight away lead to closure along with imposition of heavy EC (Environmental Compensation) since adequate time has been given to shift to cleaner fuels,” CAQM said.

“Flying Squad of the Commission to conduct incognito visits to ensure compliance of the Statutory Directions,” it further warned.

The standard list of approved fuels includes petrol, diesel, hydrogen/methane, natural gas, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and electricity.

Firewood and biomass briquettes can be used for religious purposes and cremation, wood or bamboo charcoal can be used for tandoors and grills of hotels, restaurants, banquet halls (with emission control system) and open eateries or dhabas.

The use of wood charcoal for cloth ironing is allowed, the CAQM said in a statement.

The commission had in June issued directions to ban the use of coal in industrial, domestic and other miscellaneous applications in the entire Delhi-NCR region from January 1, 2023.

Around 1.7 million tonnes of coal is used annually in industrial applications in NCR, with about 1.4 million tonnes being consumed in six major industrial districts alone.

The panel had earlier invited suggestions from the general public and experts in the field to find a permanent solution to the air pollution problem in Delhi-NCR.

A large number of suggestions were related to the banning of coal.

The CAQM then constituted an expert group to examine and deliberate upon all such suggestions and proposals.

In its report, the expert group also strongly recommended phasing out heavily polluting fossil fuels like coal and mandating cleaner fuels to the extent possible.

With PTI Inputs

Go to Source