The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on January 30, 2024, issued directions for comprehensive management of paddy straw and other agro residues.
The following has been stated: -
•In exercise of the powers vested under Section 18 (1) (b) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the following directions are issued to SPCBs/ PCCS:
1. To assess the generation of paddy straw and other agro residues in the respective State/UT and the quantity of such paddy straw and other agro residues that remain unmanaged through in-situ & ex-situ management.
2. To draw up an Annual Action Plan for utilizing unmanaged paddy straw and other agro residues so as to ensure that the same is not burnt or mismanaged.
3. Depending upon the quantity of unmanaged paddy straw and other agro residues in the State/UT and so as to manage the same, the following be also ensured:
(a)Thermal Power Plants, industries using boilers, Brick kilns, etc., as applicable, be directed to also start using paddy straw and other agro residues as fuel in time bound manner as mentioned in the policy modified on June 16, 2023, by the Ministry of Power.
(b)Setting up of agro residues, especially paddy straw-based palletization plants of adequate capacity be ensured in the State/UT.
(c)Taking other necessary in-situ & ex-situ agro residue management measures for promoting utilization of agro residues including paddy straw for other purposes and also ensuring that the entire quantity of agro residues including paddy straw generated in the State/UT is comprehensively managed.
The State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees shall acknowledge receipt of these directions within a week and submit an Action Taken Report within a month from issuance of these directions.
[Notification No. EQ- 11099/3012022-AQM-HO-CPCB/ (9086-9123)]
