| File Note: |
Kindly peruse the note of AEE dated 27.12.2025………..
• It is submitted that the industry was earlier granted consents to operate under Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 by PBIP on 28.03.2025, valid upto 31.12.2025 for operation of a Bio-Mass Power Plant to produce electricity @ 14.5 MW using biomass / paddy straw as raw material…………….
• The industry has applied for renewal of consents to operate under Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 for operation of the same 14.5 MW Bio-Mass power plant using paddy straw as raw material, with no change in machinery or land area through OCMMS on 14.11.2025………………
• The applications of the industry were examined and it was observed as under: -
1. There is increase in boiler capacity from 70 TPH to 75 TPH. But the industry has not explained as to whether there is increase in electricity generation or its MW capacity. If so, details, thereto with certificate from PSPCL or other concerned authority dealing with the subject matter…….
2. The industry has not explained that increase in boiler capacity will not attract EIA notification 2006……….
3. There is significant increase in fixed assets from 104 crore to 215 crore with machinery capitalization of 86 crores. But the industry has not explained that what type of machinery, the industry has added and what was its effect on increase in its electric generation………..
• Accordingly, show cause notice vide letter no. 3778 dated 17.12.2025 was issued to the industry for refusal consents to operate under the Water Act, 1974 & Air Act, 1981 along-with an opportunity to explain his position in writing, within a period of 7 days……………
• The industry has submitted reply on 27.12.2025, which has been examined by Regional Office and reported as under:-
1. Earlier, a 70 TPH capacity boiler was installed in the year 2009 for firing cotton stalk biomass. However, due to a significant decline in cotton cultivation and a corresponding increase in paddy cultivation, the said boiler was subsequently replaced with a RIBO make vibrating grate boiler, designed for 100% direct paddy straw bale firing. This change is duly supported by crop sowing data issued by the Agriculture Department, as paddy straw is presently the only biomass fuel available in sufficient quantity to meet the plant’s fuel requirement of 450 TPD. It is further submitted by the industry that there is no change in the plant’s power generation capacity, which remains 14.5 MW……….
2. The installed generating capacity of the plant is 14.5 MW. As per the prevailing norms, Environmental Clearance (EC) is not required for biomass-based power plants having an installed capacity of less than 15 MW………….
3. There is increase in fixed assets from ₹104 crore to ₹215 crore, which includes machinery addition of Rs. 86 crore. It is submitted that the industry has purchased new boiler alongwith allied machinery for Rs. 133 Crore and sold the old boiler alongwith allied machinery for Rs. 47 Crore. Hence, there is increase in value of plant & machinery. As explained above, this increase has not resulted in any enhancement in electricity generation capacity. The PP has also given detail of total machinery amounting to Rs. 133 Crore…………….
• RO has reported that the industry is found complying with the provisions of the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 and complying with the previous consent conditions. RO has further recommended for grant of consents to operate upto 31.12.2028………….
• It is further added that RO has reported that the industry has not submitted land use classification of area. However, as per PUDA website, no Master Plan has been notified for Tehsil Gidderbaha, so far……….
Keeping in view of above and recommendations of RO, if approved, the validity of consents to operate under Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 may be extended upto 31.03.2028 with following special conditions: -
1. The industry shall comply with the zoning regulation of Master Plan as and when notified……………
2. The Punjab Pollution Control Board shall not be responsible for any loss (if any) incurred in case the site of the industry comes under non-confirming zone of Master Plan to be prepared by the Department of Town & Country Planning Punjab……………….
3. The industry shall operate the pollution control devices regularly & efficiently, so as to achieve the prescribed standards…………
4. The industry shall provide separate energy meter with APCD and shall maintain its record on daily basis…………
5. The industry shall provide separate water meter and energy meter for STP and shall maintain its record on daily basis………
6. The industry shall maintain record of fuel ash generation and its disposal on daily basis………….
7. The industry shall maintain record of fresh water intake (canal water), boiler blowdown, DM plant rejection, and de-ashing conveyor belt reject on daily basis………..
8. The industry shall obtain permission from Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) for abstraction of ground water, if required…………….
9. The industry shall install water meter at fresh water supply and shall maintain its record on daily basis………….
10. The consent to operate is granted by the Board from the pollution angle only. The industry is bound to obtain necessary statutory clearances from other concerned departments, as required……………
11. The industry shall ensure that there is no pollution/nuisance in the vicinity with the operation of the industry……………
12. The industry shall not increase its land area & production capacity without obtaining prior written permission from the Board………………………….
Competency: Worthy Chairperson of the Board (Red: Large)
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