How govt plans to curb stubble burning through brick-kilns

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has taken several measures to curb stubble burning. On June 3, the Commission issued directions mandating the use of paddy-straw-based biomass pellets in brick-kilns located in Punjab and in non-NCR districts of Haryana to prevent and control paddy

stubble burning.

Taking note of these directions, Pradeep Singh, Regional Officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) in Yamunanagar, recently instructed brick-kiln owners and operators to begin using paddy-straw-based biomass pellets along with coal from November 1.

What is the number of brick-kilns in Yamunanagar district?

According to HSPCB records, Yamunanagar district has 77 brick-kilns. Until now, they had been using only coal as fuel. Following the Commission’s directions, they would now be required to use paddy-straw-based biomass pellets mixed with coal.

What percentage of biomass pellets will be used?

Under the CAQM guidelines, brick kilns must use 20 per cent biomass pellets by November 1, 30 per cent by November 1, 2026, 40 per cent by November 2027, and 50 per cent by November 1, 2028.

What is the problem with using pellets?

Brick-kiln owners say briquettes and biomass pellets pose technical challenges in traditional kilns. Fuel is fed manually through narrow channels (mori) and pellets or briquettes tend to break apart quickly, failing to sustain uniform combustion. For this reason, owners prefer to use chopped paddy straw mixed with coal in the prescribed proportion, rather than pellets, while complying with CAQM’s requirements.

What is the Brick-Kiln Association’s take on the move?

Shakti Singh, adviser to the Brick-Kilns Association, Yamunanagar, said the association would comply with HSPCB directions. He said they plan to buy chopper (chipper) machines to process paddy straw, which will then be mixed with coal in the mandated quantities and used as fuel to meet the targets set by the CAQM.

What do HSPCB officers have to say?

Pradeep Singh, regional officer of HSPCB, Yamunanagar, said he had issued directions to brick-kiln owners to use paddy-straw-based biomass pellets with coal. He added that meetings were being held with kiln operators to ensure compliance with the Commission’s orders. In cases of non-compliance, necessary action would be taken under applicable laws without further notice.