Context:
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Air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) is not limited to Delhi alone but is driven by emissions from surrounding industrial clusters.
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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has expanded its focus beyond NCR districts, directing adjoining states to eliminate coal use in industries located in non-NCR areas as part of a broader regional clean air strategy.
Key Highlights:
Government Directive / Pollution Control Expansion
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CAQM has instructed states adjoining Delhi to prepare action plans within 3 months to eliminate coal as industrial fuel in non-NCR districts.
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This marks a shift from Delhi-centric measures to a wider regional pollution approach.
Industries Using Coal in Non-NCR Areas
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Coal-based industrial units include:
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Steel mills
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Foundries
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Cement plants
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Brick kilns
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Compliance and Enforcement Measures
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The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) warned that 2,254 polluting industries in Delhi-NCR may face closure if they fail to install air pollution control devices.
NCR Coverage and Mandate
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CAQM’s jurisdiction covers NCR and adjoining areas, with NCR comprising 24 districts across:
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Haryana
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Uttar Pradesh
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Rajasthan
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Progress in Cleaner Fuel Transition
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As of August 2024:
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7,449 out of 7,759 fuel-based industries in Delhi-NCR have shifted to cleaner fuels approved by CAQM, such as:
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Natural gas
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Electricity
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Biofuels
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Biomass
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Thermal Power Plant Restrictions Under Consideration
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CAQM is considering restricting new coal-based thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi.
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Discussions may also explore transitioning existing coal plants to gas-based alternatives with the Ministry of Power.
Brick Kiln Biomass Co-firing Plan
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Brick kilns beyond NCR districts are directed to adopt paddy straw-based biomass pellets/briquettes.
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Targeted biomass co-firing levels:
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20% from November 1
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Rising to 50% by November 2028
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Significance / Concerns
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Reducing coal usage in industries can significantly lower:
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PM2.5 emissions
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Sulphur dioxide pollution
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Winter smog intensity
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Challenges include availability of cleaner fuels, cost burdens on industries, and enforcement capacity.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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CAQM is mandated to tackle air pollution sources in NCR and adjoining areas.
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States must create action plans within 3 months to eliminate industrial coal use in non-NCR districts.
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CPCB can recommend closure of polluting industries for non-compliance.
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Cleaner fuels promoted include natural gas, electricity, biofuels, and biomass.
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Biomass co-firing targets for brick kilns rise from 20% (2024) to 50% (2028).
Benefits + Challenges + Impact
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Benefits: Cleaner air, reduced industrial emissions, regional pollution control beyond Delhi.
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Challenges: High transition costs, fuel supply constraints, uneven compliance.
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Impact: Strengthens India’s clean air governance model through coordinated regional action.
Relevant Mains Points:
Environmental Governance Dimensions
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CAQM’s expansion reflects recognition that air pollution is a regional airshed problem requiring multi-state coordination.
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Industrial fuel switching is crucial for sustainable urban and peri-urban air quality improvement.
Economic and Implementation Issues
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Industries may face cost challenges in shifting from coal to cleaner fuels.
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Policy must balance environmental health with industrial competitiveness.
Way Forward
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Ensure cleaner fuel availability and affordability through incentives.
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Strengthen monitoring systems and enforcement mechanisms across states.
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Promote biomass co-firing and waste-to-energy options to reduce stubble burning impacts.
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Develop long-term transition plans for thermal power plants near Delhi.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 3 (Environment & Ecology): Air pollution control, industrial emissions, clean fuel transition
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GS 2 (Governance): Multi-state regulatory coordination, CAQM mandate, enforcement actions
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Prelims: CAQM, CPCB roles, biomass co-firing targets