The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on March 27th 2025 has issued an official notification regarding the adoption of a uniform policy for the establishment of Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants across the state. This move aims to streamline the setup process while ensuring strict adherence to environmental standards.
Key Highlights of the Notification:
Adoption of CPCB Guidelines:
The PPCB has aligned its policy with the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) “Environmental Guidelines for Compressed Biogas Plant (CBG)/Bio-CNG Plants,” published in March 2022. These guidelines outline best practices for environmental management, focusing on pollution control and sustainability.
Environmental Management Measures:
The guidelines emphasize the management of:
- Solid Waste and Solid Manure
- Liquid Manure (Fermented Organic Manure)
- Self-Monitoring Systems
- Scrubber Systems for air quality management
- Odour Control Measures
Classification for Compliance:
CBG/Bio-CNG plants in the Green and Orange categories are encouraged to adopt practices that qualify them as White category plants, which are subject to fewer regulatory hurdles due to their minimal environmental impact.
Location Criteria:
To mitigate environmental risks, the guidelines prescribe that composting facilities must be located at least 300 meters away from the nearest dwelling and 100 meters from any well or watercourse.
Why This Policy Matters:
This uniform policy is designed to:
- Promote Sustainable Practices: Encouraging the use of clean energy through biogas while minimizing environmental impacts.
- Simplify Regulatory Processes: Providing clear guidelines helps industries comply with environmental norms more efficiently.
- Protect Public Health: Ensuring that CBG plants are sited away from residential areas and water sources reduces the risk of pollution and health hazards.
Next Steps for Industry Stakeholders:
- Review the Guidelines: A copy of the CPCB guidelines has been enclosed with the notification for detailed reference.
- Ensure Compliance: Plant operators must adopt the prescribed measures to manage waste, air emissions, and odour effectively.
- Submit Necessary Documentation: For new plants, compliance with location criteria and environmental standards will be mandatory for project approval.
This policy reflects Punjab’s commitment to environmental sustainability and clean energy promotion, aligning with national goals for a greener future.
