Air Quality Commission directs industries in Haryana, UP, Rajasthan to switch to PNG, Biomass

Industries are one of the main reasons for the rising level of pollution in and around metro cities. The government is taking various measures to control pollution.

In this regard, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has ordered the industries located in NCR of Haryana, U.P. and Rajasthan to switch to PNG or Biomass Fuel. These industries despite the availability of natural gas infrastructure and supply have still not shifted to PNG/ cleaner fuels.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the following directions have been issued by the Commission: -

Industries located in the NCR of Haryana, U. P. and Rajasthan shall completely switch over to PNG or biomass fuels, by 30.09.2022. Non-switchover shall result in the closure of industries using other fuels. Till such time the transition to fuels as above is effected, such industries shall use only fuels as approved by the respective State Governments for industrial operations. Industries in the jurisdiction of GNCTD have already been shifted to cleaner fuel mainly PNG.

The Ministry added, “This decision of the Commission has been taken after soliciting views from different Organizations, Associations, Entities and State Governments. Various organizations/ associations/ entities made their submissions/ represented to the Commission. A large number of associations, federations and individuals submitted before the Commission their requests for permitting use of biomass fuels in addition to PNG, citing that biomass-based fuels are much more environment friendly than fossil fuels like HSD and Coal, etc. in terms of carbon emissions.”