Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) drives significant emission reductions, improves air quality, and creates new economic opportunities for farmers.
A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s fight against air pollution and climate change. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced that biomass co-firing in thermal power plants has led to a saving of over 35 lakh metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2).
This achievement is a direct result of CAQM’s strategic initiatives to promote sustainable energy practices across the country.
CAQM’s Impact on Air Quality and Stubble Burning
Established in 2020 and given statutory power in 2021, the CAQM has been a driving force behind a measurable improvement in air quality, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region. The Commission’s efforts have led to:
- Improved Air Quality Index (AQI): Delhi-NCR’s average AQI for January to September 2023 was 167, the second-best in six years. July 2025 recorded an AQI of 79, making it the cleanest July in a decade.
- Reduced PM10 Levels: Particulate matter (PM10) levels have fallen by 15% since 2017-18.
- Stubble Burning Reduction: Between 2021 and 2024, fire counts in Punjab plummeted by over 80%, from 71,304 to 10,909. Haryana also saw a significant drop from 6,829 to 1,315.
Biomass Co-firing: A Key to Emission Reduction and Rural Prosperity
A cornerstone of CAQM’s strategy is the biomass co-firing mandate, which requires thermal power plants to mix biomass with coal. This initiative not only reduces emissions but also creates new economic opportunities for farmers. Thermal power generators in Punjab are now partnering with farmers to use paddy straw as biomass fuel, turning agricultural waste into a valuable resource.
- Widespread Adoption: As of mid-2025, 11 thermal power plants (TPPs) in the NCR and 71 nationwide have adopted biomass co-firing.
- CO2 Savings: These plants have collectively saved 34.77 lakh MT of CO2, with NCR plants contributing 25.79 lakh MT of that total.
- Expansion of Biomass Use: In June 2025, CAQM extended the use of paddy straw-based biomass to brick kilns in non-NCR regions of Punjab and Haryana, with a target of 50% co-firing by November 2028.
Expert Views on CAQM’s Progress
Experts commend CAQM’s innovative approach. Dr. Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri from the TERI School of Advanced Studies highlights the “systematic changes” brought about by the Commission, noting the decline in stubble fires and improved AQI. She also suggests a need for long-term strategies, including advanced combustion techniques and carbon capture, for a sustainable future.
Agri-economist Mr. Deepak Pareek emphasizes the dual benefits for farmers, stating that converting crop residue into biomass or biochar creates “new income streams” while promoting sustainability. Dr. Rajeev Sharma, an environmentalist, points out that CAQM’s support for biomass pellet manufacturing has doubled co-firing rates in TPPs, further accelerating the positive impact.
Beyond biomass co-firing, CAQM has implemented a range of measures, including mandatory dust control at construction sites, AI-based vehicle monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. The success of the CAQM model is now being considered as a blueprint for other high-pollution cities, linking environmental protection with economic growth through green jobs and technology deployment.