Environment (utilization of crop residue by thermal power plants) Rules, 2023

Summary:

The G.S.R. 499 (E) Environment (utilization of crop residue by thermal power plants) Rules, 2023 aim to regulate the utilization of crop residue by thermal power plants. The rules provide guidelines for the thermal power plants to use crop residue as an alternate fuel for their operation. The rules also specify the requirements for the power plants to fulfill before using crop residue, including obtaining necessary permits and complying with environmental standards.

In particular, the rules:

Define the term "crop residue"" and specify the types of crops and waste materials that are eligible for use as fuels.
Mandate thermal power plants to obtain a permit from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) or the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) before using crop residue as an alternate fuel.
Specify the parameters for monitoring and controlling air and water pollution from the use of crop residue.
Prohibit the use of crop residue that contains hazardous substances or contaminants.
* Require thermal power plants to maintain records of the quantity and quality of crop residue used