Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Sirsa, and Yamunanagar districts directed to ensure swift compliance
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh—
The use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets has been made mandatory in brick kilns located in Haryana’s non-NCR districts. Following recent orders from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has issued a letter to concerned districts for immediate action. The use of biomass fuel was already mandatory in the NCR region. Now, to further reduce pollution caused by straw burning, all brick kilns across Haryana, including those in non-NCR areas, must start using biomass pellets made from paddy straw.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rajesh Nagar said that a phased plan has been laid out to achieve 50 percent blending of biomass pellets in brick kilns in non-NCR areas of the state. The minimum usage targets are as follows:
From November 1, 2025 — at least 20 percent blending
From November 1, 2026 — at least 30 percent blending
From November 1, 2027 — at least 40 percent blending
From November 1, 2028 — at least 50 percent blending
In line with this, letters have been sent to the Deputy Commissioners of Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Sirsa, and Yamunanagar, directing them to ensure timely and effective implementation.