The Central Pollution Control Board has revised its Guidelines for Grant of One-time Financial Support under Environment Protection Charge Funds for establishment of Pelletisation Torrefaction Plants to promote Utilisation of Paddy Straw. These revised guidelines were issued in March, 2023.
New Units set up by individual entities/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 Indus tries, will be eligible for availing onetime financial support under Environment Protection Charge (EPC) funds. Other biomass use is permitted but only to an extent of 20% of total feedstock, in case needed. Individual industries interested in setting up captive pellet plants are also eligible to apply for one 5.time financial support under the guidelines.
Scrutiny of applications received for funding under the guidelines and recommendations for sanction of funds will be done by a Committee comprising representatives from:
- CPCB,
- Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change,
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare,
- National Mission on use of Biomass in Thermal Power Plants (SAMARTH),
- Commission on Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas and
- one-two representatives from SPCB/PCC from NCR,
The total funding is of Rs. 50 Crores, out of which Rs. 40 crores is earmarked for establishment of nontorrefied pelle tisation plants, and Rs. 10 crores for establishment of torrefaction cum pelletisation units
