New Delhi, April 16 -- Days after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) cracked down on thermal power plants for failing to co-fire crop residue, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted a conditional stay on the Rs.33.02 crore compensation imposed on the Talwandi Sabo Thermal Power Plant in Punjab.

Appearing for the appellant, counsel argued that compliance was hit by a shortage of torrefied biomass pellets - a constraint acknowledged by the Central Electricity Authority - and that the penalty failed to account for these supply-side limitations. The CAQM, however, maintained that adequate biomass was available and that the plant had significantly underutilised it, adding that due process, including issuance of a show-cau...