India's NCR cement plants to desist from using unapproved fuels

The Indian National Capital Region’s (NCR) Commission for Air Quality Management has reminded all industrial and other sectors not to use unapproved fuels, including coal, from 1 January 2023 or face immediate closure with heavy fines. The legislation aims to completely eliminate the use of coal and other unapproved fuels in the entire NCR.

In terms of cement plants, Direction No. 65 of the commission enables NCR-based production facilities to use biomass, agricultural refuse and pellets and briquettes.

“Violations and non-compliance with the directions issued by the Commission including the use of unapproved fuels will straight away lead to closure apart from imposing Environmental Compensation (EC) and initiating prosecution action against the defaulters flouting the statutory directions,” said the Environment Ministry.