Latest news with #non-NCR
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Paddy straw-based fuel use mandatory in brick kilns of Punjab, Haryana from Nov 1
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday directed Punjab and Haryana governments to make it mandatory for brick kilns in non-NCR districts to use paddy straw-based biomass pellets as part of their fuel mix starting this winter season. The measure aims to tackle the problem of air pollution due to stubble burning, one of the major contributors to the poor air quality in the Delhi-NCR region every winter. In an official order, the CAQM said the use of biomass pellets made from paddy residue is a cleaner and practical substitute for coal, which is commonly used in brick kilns. The CAQM said that brick kilns across Punjab and the non-NCR districts of Haryana must start co-firing paddy straw-based biomass pellets or briquettes in a phased manner starting November 1. According to the timeline specified in the order, brick kilns must use a minimum of 20 per cent paddy straw-based pellets in their fuel mix. This should increase to 30 per cent from November 1, 2026; 40 per cent from November 1, 2027; and 50 per cent from November 1, 2028. The order covers all brick kilns, including those using the zig-zag firing technology. State governments have also been asked to submit monthly progress reports to the CAQM starting November 2025 to ensure proper monitoring of the implementation of its order.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
CAQM directs phased adoption of paddy straw-based biomass in Punjab, Haryana brick kilns
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued statutory direction, instructing the state governments of Haryana and Punjab to mandate the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets or briquettes in brick kilns situated in districts outside the NCR. The directive is aimed at eliminating the open burning of crop residues, a significant contributor to air pollution in the region. According to the directive, all brick kilns located in the non-NCR areas of Punjab and Haryana must gradually increase the co-firing of paddy straw-based pellets or briquettes. The Commission has stipulated that a minimum of 20 per cent co-firing must be achieved from November 1, 2025. This requirement will rise to 30 per cent from November 1, 2026, 40 per cent from November 1, 2027, and 50 per cent from November 1, 2028. The State Governments have been directed to issue the necessary orders to implement these provisions and ensure the use of biomass fuel in the specified kilns. The directive mandates that both state governments must report to the Commission on a monthly basis regarding the compliance and enforcement of these directions. The Commission stated that the move is intended to promote clean and sustainable fuel alternatives in the industrial sector and support its long-term goal of completely eliminating the practice of open burning of crop residue in the region.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
CAQM directs Delhi-NCR govts to assess landfill fire risk
New Delhi The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday directed the Delhi-NCR state governments to carry out a fire-risk assessment of sanitary landfills and dump sites, following proper identification, categorisation, and demarcation of waste. It directed them to adopt preventive measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and methane gas detectors, to prevent future landfill fires, as it could lead to a spike in particulate matter and release harmful gases such as NO2, SO2, CO, dioxins and furans. The pollution body also asked agencies to carry out extensive biomining or bioremediation at landfills to liquidate the legacy waste, as per the targeted timelines already submitted to the Supreme Court. 'Ensure adequate storage of sand or chemical fire extinguishing means for immediate action, whenever initiation of fire is sensed, besides dedicated fire tenders and other fire safety measures, specifically during the summer season, which is more prone to SLF and dump site fires,' said CAQM, adding periodic mock drills were needed to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The CAQM said municipal solid waste needed to be collected, segregated and processed in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and directed states to adopt zero tolerance towards open waste burning. Co-firing of paddy straw pellets beyond NCR: CAQM In a specific directive to districts outside NCR, the CAQM asked brick kilns to co-fire paddy straw-based pellets, setting a deadline of co-firing 50% of such pellets by November 1, 2028. The deadline is 20% co-firing of paddy straw-based pellets by November 1, 2025, and 30% by November 1, 2026, it said. The initiative aims to power such facilities, rather than relying on thermal plants. 'The state Governments of Punjab and Haryana have been instructed to issue requisite directions in this context mandating the above stipulation for use of paddy straw-based bio-mass pellets or briquettes in brick kilns located in non-NCR areas,' CAQM said in a statement, adding action taken in compliance with these directions will be apprised to the commission every month.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Air Quality Body Takes Steps In Punjab, Haryana To Fight Air Pollution In And Around Delhi
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The CAQM is tackling north India's winter smog by mandating brick kilns to use paddy straw pellets and addressing open municipal waste fires. These measures aim to reduce pollution, enhance rural economies, and align with renewable energy goals. New Delhi: Considering the perennial issue of north India's smog-choked winter, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is striking at two major pollution culprits - paddy stubble burning and open municipal solid waste (MSW) fires. Through Statutory Direction No. 92, the commission is mandating brick kilns in non-NCR districts of Haryana and Punjab to co-fire paddy straw-based pellets, aiming for 50 per cent usage by November 2028. Simultaneously, Direction No. 91 targets fires at sanitary landfills (SLFs) and open MSW burning across the National Capital Region (NCR), tackling toxic emissions head-on to clear the region's hazy skies. Why This Matters: A Dual Assault on Air Pollution North India's air quality crisis peaks every winter, with Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) often soaring into the "severe" range (above 400). Paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, coupled with open MSW fires and landfill blazes, are key culprits. In 2024, Punjab recorded over 10,000 stubble fire incidents, contributing up to 40 per cent of Delhi's pollution on peak days, per the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. Meanwhile, MSW burning and landfill fires release harmful pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, dioxins, and methane, exacerbating health risks from asthma to heart disease. The Air Quality Commission's twin directives aim to curb these sources with innovative and sustainable solutions. Tackling Paddy Stubble: Brick Kilns As Allies To combat stubble burning, Direction No. 92 mandates brick kilns in non-NCR areas of Haryana and Punjab to co-fire paddy straw-based pellets or briquettes with coal, following a phased timeline: November 1, 2025: 20 per cent co-firing November 1, 2026: 30 per cent co-firing November 1, 2027: 40 per cent co-firing November 1, 2028: 50 per cent co-firing This transforms agricultural waste into a cleaner fuel, reducing emissions from kilns - thousands of which dot the region - and creating a market for paddy straw. Farmers gain an incentive to sell straw rather than burn it, potentially boosting rural economies. State governments must enforce these targets and report monthly to the commission. Cracking Down On MSW And Landfill Fires Direction No. 91 addresses two critical pollution sources: fires at SLFs/dumpsites and open MSW/biomass burning. Key measures include: Legacy Waste at SLFs/Dumpsites: Identify, categorise, and assess fire risks at all SLFs/dumpsites in the NCR. Accelerate biomining and bioremediation to clear legacy waste per Supreme Court timelines. Install CCTV, fencing, and methane detectors to monitor and prevent fires. Monitor windrow temperatures (35 to 59 degree Celsius) and conduct frequent patrolling, especially at night. Ensure fire-fighting infrastructure (hydrants, water tankers, fire tenders) and safety gear for workers. Conduct quarterly fire safety audits and mock drills. Fresh MSW Management: Enforce Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, for proper collection, segregation, and processing. Deploy surveillance and patrolling to stop open burning, especially in winter. Enhance Urban Local Bodies' capacity to process horticultural waste year-round. Launch public awareness campaigns via RWAs and industry groups to curb waste burning. Train sanitation staff for better waste handling. State Pollution Control Boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee must submit quarterly reports on compliance, with penalties for non-compliance under the Air Quality Commission Act, 2021. The Bigger Picture: Challenges and Opportunities Both directives face hurdles. Scaling up paddy straw pellet production requires new processing plants and supply chains, while small-scale kiln owners may need financial aid to transition. Similarly, managing legacy waste and enforcing MSW rules demand significant investment in infrastructure and enforcement. However, these initiatives align with India's renewable energy and net-zero goals, potentially creating jobs and fostering innovation in waste-to-energy solutions. If successful, they could set a national precedent. Why You Should Care For NCR residents, polluted air is a personal crisis-hospital visits spike, schools close, and daily life grinds to a halt. By repurposing paddy straw and curbing MSW fires, the Air Quality Commission is attacking pollution at its roots. Success depends on rigorous enforcement, stakeholder cooperation, and public support.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Haryana extends validity of all-India tourist permits from nine to 12 years
Chandigarh: Haryana has extended the validity of All-India Tourist Permits from nine to 12 years, bringing its policy in line with federal guidelines and offering relief to the state's tourism and transport sectors. Transport minister Anil Vij announced the change on Monday, saying an official notification would be issued shortly. "The move ensures that stakeholders in the tourism sector do not face any difficulties," Vij said, adding that chief minister Nayab Singh Saini had approved the proposal earlier in the day. The decision follows a memorandum submitted by the Ambala Taxi Operator Union, which had urged the state govt to align its permit validity period with neighbouring states such as Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. In response, the transport department drafted a proposal under Vij's direction, leading to Monday's approval. Under the updated rules, the validity of tourist permits for petrol and CNG vehicles operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) will increase from nine to 12 years. For diesel vehicles in the NCR, the validity will rise from nine to 10 years. In non-NCR regions, the validity period for both petrol/CNG and diesel tourist vehicles will extend from nine to 12 years. The extension is expected to benefit taxi operators, travel companies and other stakeholders by reducing administrative burdens and aligning Haryana's policies with national standards. MSID:: 120700184 413 |
