CAQM mandates Brick Kilns in Haryana and Punjab to use paddy straw based pellets

CAQM issues Statutory Direction mandating all brick kilns located in the districts beyond NCR area of Haryana and the State of Punjab for co-firing of paddy straw based pellets / briquettes

In a vital step to combat the issue of open paddy stubble burning severely contributing to deterioration of air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) via Statutory Direction No. 92, has directed State Governments of Haryana and Punjab to mandate the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets/ briquettes in all brick kilns located in the districts beyond NCR, as one of the means towards elimination of the practice of open paddy stubble burning. The Commission envisions complete elimination of open burning of crop residue, promoting clean, sustainable fuel alternatives in the industrial sector.

Aiming for 50% co-firing of paddy straw based pellets / briquettes, the Statutory Direction mandates all brick kilns located in the districts beyond NCR area of Haryana and the State of Punjab to adopt co-firing of paddy straw based pellets/ briquettes. The State Governments of Haryana and Punjab have been directed to ensure at least:

• 20% co-firing of paddy straw based pellets / briquettes w.e.f. 01.11.2025;
• 30% co-firing of paddy straw based pellets / briquettes w.e.f. 01.11.2026;
• 40% co-firing of paddy straw based pellets / briquettes w.e.f. 01.11.2027; and
• 50% co-firing of paddy straw based pellets / briquettes w.e.f. 01.11.2028

The State Governments of Punjab and Haryana have been instructed to issue requisite Directions/ Orders in this context mandating the above stipulation for use of paddy straw-based bio-mass pellets/ briquettes in brick kilns located in non-NCR areas. Further, action taken towards compliance of these Directions shall be apprised to the Commission every month.