| File Note: |
As per note dated 04.04.2026, 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.
It is pertinent to mention here that as per Fuel Policy for the industries of State of Punjab notified on 04.10.2023, Sr. No. II, at the page no. 5, under the Subject ‘Prohibition on the use of Furnace Oil and alternate fuels” “Only specified liquid fuels marketed and supplied by the oil companies authorized by the Government of India, including Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS), Light Diesel Oil (LDO) and Propane, Butane etc. having sulphur content not exceeding 1.8% by weight shall be allowed.”
Now, the industry in question is neither a rolling mill nor an industry which has proposed to use the coal as fuel. Here the industry has proposed to use LSHS 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 LSHS as fuel.
In light of the above, if approved, the matter may be placed before the Chairperson of the Board for concurrence of the following actions:
1. Consent to Operate under the provision of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 for may be granted up to 30/09/2030 for manufacturing of Copper Wire Rod @ 50 MT/Day by using LSHS as fuel due to non-availability of sufficient quantity of PNG with suitable conditions and with special conditions:
I. The industry shall use Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS) having sulphur content not exceeding 1.8% by weight.
II. The industry shall comply with the Fuel Policy for the industries of State of Punjab notified on 04.10.2023.
III. The industry shall use PNG as fuel instead of LSHS (having sulphur content not exceeding 1.8% by weight), when it will available in the market easily.
IV. The industry shall not generate any trade effluent from its industrial process.
V. The industry shall not consume any fuel except PNG/LSHS (having sulphur content not exceeding 1.8% by weight) in its furnaces.
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