The Central Pollution Control Board on 14th October 2022, has notified “guidelines for grant of one-time financial support under EPC Funds for establishment of palletization and torrefaction plants to promote utilization of paddy straw” The guidelines, Enables reduced burning of paddy straw, in the NCT of Delhi, States of Punjab & Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh, by facilitating establishment of pelletisation and torrefaction plants for paddy utilization.
The Objective of this guidelines is to reduce usage of fossil fuels in industries and boilers, by promoting usage of pelletised/torrefied paddy straw.
New Units set up by individuals/entrepreneurs/ companies after the issuance of these guidelines who will be using only paddy straw generated in the NCT of Delhi, States of Punjab & Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh, and supply pellets/torrefied pellets to Power Plants and/or Industries, will be eligible for availing one-time financial support under Environment Protection Charge (EPC) funds.
The Guidelines are applicable to only new Pelletisation Units / Torrefaction Units. Applications will be considered on first-come-first-serve basis. The Cost of land for setting up of pelletisation plant including other civil works is to be borne by the applicant. Land possession letter/ lease agreement shall be submitted along with the application for financial assistance under the guidelines. The applicant must have submitted his application for CTE to the concerned SPCB/PCC before applying for financial assistance under these guidelines.
The applicant shall submit a bank guarantee, equivalent to the amount of the financial support released, in name of SPCB, with a validity of minimum 01 year. The bank guarantee shall be released back to the applicant, after start of commercial production, i.e. submission of first invoice for sale of product. The application must have the recommendations of the State Pollution Control Board.
The Preference shall be given to those units which have agreement with farmers located in NCT of Delhi, States of Punjab & Haryana, and NCR districts of Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh, to ensure assured supply of paddy straw.
Further, units proposing to install equipment that have been manufactured in India, thereby promoting Make In India, would also be preferred while sanctioning. No assistance shall be provided for meeting recurring or operation and maintenance or any other costs.
