Discover how the Commission for Air Quality Management’s biomass co-firing mandate is reducing CO₂ emissions, improving Delhi-NCR’s air quality, curbing stubble burning, and creating a nationwide model for cleaner energy.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has achieved remarkable progress in combating air pollution, especially in Delhi-NCR and neighboring states, through its biomass co-firing mandate for thermal power plants (TPPs). Launched in 2021, this initiative has now expanded nationwide, delivering measurable reductions in CO₂ emissions, improving ambient air quality, and creating a replicable model for other pollution-affected cities in India.
The biomass co-firing policy requires thermal power plants to blend 5–10 percent biomass with coal during electricity generation. Initially, the mandate applied to 11 TPPs in the National Capital Region, but over time it has expanded to 71 thermal power plants across the country. As a result, India has avoided an estimated 34.77 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, with plants in the NCR alone contributing 25.79 lakh MT to this reduction. CAQM has actively supported biomass pellet manufacturing by providing access to technology, training, and subsidies, which has led to a surge in co-firing from 11.7 lakh MT in FY24 to 21.49 lakh MT by mid-FY26. This cleaner energy solution not only reduces harmful emissions but also boosts rural economies by creating demand for agricultural residues.
The impact on air quality has been significant. Between January and September 2023, Delhi-NCR recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 167, the second-best figure in six years. July 2025 was reported as the cleanest July in a decade, with an AQI of just 79. PM₁₀ levels have declined by 15 percent since 2017–18, and in early 2025, GRAP Stage III restrictions were revoked due to sustained improvements in ambient air quality. These results clearly indicate that the initiative is driving long-term, positive change in the region’s environment.
One of CAQM’s most effective interventions has been in reducing stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, a seasonal problem that has long contributed to severe winter air pollution. Between 2021 and 2024, fire counts in Punjab dropped dramatically from 71,304 to 10,909, while Haryana saw a reduction from 6,829 to 1,315. In Punjab, thermal power generators have partnered with farmers to repurpose paddy straw into biomass fuel, providing them with an additional source of income while simultaneously cutting emissions. In June 2025, CAQM extended the use of paddy straw-based biomass fuel to brick kilns in non-NCR areas of Punjab and Haryana, with a goal of achieving at least 50 percent co-firing by November 2028.
Industrial pollution has also been addressed through a cleaner fuel adoption drive. Nearly 1,650 industrial units in Delhi have switched to cleaner alternatives like PNG and biomass-based energy, contributing to lower particulate matter and toxic emissions.
Beyond thermal power and industrial fuel use, CAQM has introduced a wide range of pollution control measures across sectors. Construction sites are now required to follow mandatory dust control SOPs, while AI-based vehicle counting systems help track and manage traffic-related emissions. Drone surveillance is being used to detect pollution violations, and public awareness campaigns such as #VayuMitra are encouraging citizens to participate actively in air quality improvement efforts.
The CAQM model is now emerging as a blueprint for other high-pollution cities like Bengaluru. By integrating environmental protection with economic development, it promotes green jobs in biomass production, the adoption of cleaner fuels, and the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies.
In conclusion, the biomass co-firing initiative led by CAQM is more than just a regulatory measure; it is a comprehensive transformation strategy. It demonstrates that improving air quality, tackling climate change, and fostering economic growth can go hand-in-hand. If scaled up further, this approach has the potential to redefine how India addresses air pollution, making it a powerful tool for sustainable urban living.
FAQ’s
-
What is the CAQM biomass co-firing initiative?
The biomass co-firing initiative by the Commission for Air Quality Management requires thermal power plants to blend a percentage of biomass with coal, reducing CO₂ emissions and improving air quality.
-
How has biomass co-firing impacted Delhi-NCR’s air quality?
It has significantly reduced PM₁₀ levels, lowered the average AQI, and contributed to the cleanest July in a decade in 2025.
-
How does biomass co-firing help reduce stubble burning?
It creates a market for agricultural residues like paddy straw, providing farmers with income while discouraging open-field burning.
-
Which industries have adopted cleaner fuels under CAQM’s initiative?
Nearly 1,650 industrial units in Delhi have transitioned to cleaner fuels such as PNG and biomass-based energy.
-
Can the CAQM model be applied to other cities in India?
Yes, its success in Delhi-NCR makes it a replicable blueprint for other high-pollution cities like Bengaluru.
