| File Note: |
Sir, it is submitted that the issue regarding conversion of coal fired furnaces to PNG as per the directions given by the Hon’ble NGT on OA no. 924 of 2019 on 01/10/2020 has been examined and it has been noted that the Hon’ble NGT in point-5 of page no. 5 has categorically directed as under:
"It is clear from the above that there are serious violation of environmental norms and inadequate monitoring by the statutory authorities. Remedial action taken even after intervention of this Tribunal is hardly adequate. Further serious steps are required to be taken for upholding the rule of law and protection of environment and public health. Let further meaningful action be taken and a compliance report filed before the next date. In the context of directions to shift rolling mills from coal to PNG, we direct the State PCB to ensure that if such shifting does not take place, the non-compliant units be closed till compliance. This should apply not only to rolling mills but also to other similarly placed industries operating on coal. Wherever there is noncompliance, the State PCB may take coercive measurers, including closure, recovery of compensations and initiating prosecution, following due process of law."
Further, the Hon’ble NGT in OA no. 295 of 2023 while pronouncing the judgement on 25/02/2026 has passed certain directions with two of the relevant directions reproduced as under:
A. The State of Punjab will ensure that the direction contained in the order dated 01.10.2020 passed in OA 924/2019 in the matter of Neeraj Goyal (supra) regarding shifting of the rolling mills from coal to PNG are fully and effectively complied with
B. The State of Punjab will ensure effective implementation of the Fuel Policy for the industries of State of Punjab notified on 04.10.2023.
Further, the State of Punjab has notified the fuel policy on 04/10/2023, wherein the Govt. has allowed the use of bio-mass specifically paddy stubble in raw form, torrefied form, briquettes, palettes, or any other modified form including blending with other acceptable fuels shall be encouraged for their use as fuel for boilers/ furnaces in controlled/regulated conditions as approved by the State Pollution Control Board on case to case basis.
From the perusal of both the cases, it has been inferred that the Hon’ble NGT has asked the State of Punjab/ SPCB to ensure the shifting of coal fired rolling mills as well as other similar industries operating on coal to PNG.
The context of other industries using fuels other than coal has not been mentioned in the entire order/ judgement. Further, as per directions (B) of the judgement dated 25/02/2026, the NGT has asked the State of Punjab to ensure effective implementation of the Fuel Policy for the industries of State of Punjab notified on 04.10.2023.
Now, the industry in question is neither a rolling mill nor a industry which has proposed to use the coal as fuel. Here the industry has proposed to use bio-mass briquettes as fuel in its copper melting furnaces, which neither violates the directions passed by Hon’ble NGT in OA no. 924 of 2019 as well as OA no. 295 of 2023, nor violate the provisions of fuel policy.
From the above, it is evident that the industry in question can be allowed to use bio-mass briquettes as fuel.
In light of the above, if approved, the matter may be placed before the Worthy Chairperson of the Board for grant of CTE for setting up of a unit to manufacture Alliminum Ingots and Copper Ingots using copper scrap and alluminum scrap as raw material with bio-mass briquettes as fuel in its melting furnace may be granted for one year with suitable conditions and one of the condition that the industry shall be bound to comply with directions issued by Board w.r.t. amendments in fuel policy from time to time, please. |
