NEW DELHI, 9 FEB

A recent report by Nomura Research Institute Consulting & Solutions India highlights compressed biogas (CBG) as a viable solution to Delhi's pollution crisis, addressing both stubble burning and vehicular emissions. The report reveals that vehicles contribute 20 per cent to the city's pollution in the summer, while stubble burning accounts for 16 per cent. These figures soar during winter, escalating to 30 per cent and 23 per cent respectively.

During peak stubble-burning season, emissions can exceed 30 per cent, with a significant portion of particulate matter (PM) originating from neighbouring Punjab and Haryana. The report suggests that a CBG plant producing 10 tonnes of CBG daily would require approximately 90 tonnes of paddy straw, preventing around 270 kilograms of PM emissions each day. Annually, such a plant could eliminate 11,000 to 12,000 kilograms of PM emissions—equivalent to removing around 1.5 to 1.75 lakh petrol vehicles from the roads.

Beyond reducing pollution, CBG serves as a renewable fuel, substituting fossil-based fuels in various applications. The report emphasises the need for coordinated efforts involving government, private sectors, and farmers to promote CBG adoption, alongside necessary policy incentives and infrastructure development.