India, Dec. 24 -- India's air pollution regulator has issued show-cause notices to six coal-fired power plants near Delhi for failing to meet mandatory biomass co-firing targets.

The proposed environmental compensation of Rs.61.85 crore is among the largest enforcement actions under the 2023 biomass co-firing rules.

Data shows nearly 80 per cent of biomass used by thermal power plants nationally is consumed in the Delhi NCR, reflecting stronger enforcement rather than higher availability.

While higher biomass costs are allowed as a pass-through in power tariffs, non-compliance persists, raising questions about a pay-and-pollute approach.

The lack of clarity on how penalty funds will be used weakens the environmental credibility of the...