The Government of Himachal Pradesh has issued a revised fuel policy notification allowing industries to use petroleum coke (petcoke) with sulphur content up to 7.5% by weight (dry basis). This decision follows ongoing concerns regarding fuel availability and infrastructure limitations, and seeks to strike a balance between industrial needs and environmental safeguards.
📜 Background and Legal Context
This policy update is in compliance with directions from the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the historic M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case and subsequent orders by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- The original fuel policy was issued on 18 April 2022, allowing petcoke use with conditions.
- In April 2023, sulphur content was capped at 7%.
- Temporary relaxations allowing up to 7.5% sulphur were granted in October 2023 and January 2025, due to non-availability of compliant petcoke and lack of gas infrastructure.
🏭 Latest Policy Update (October 2025)
Taking into account:
- Feedback from industrial associations and cement companies,
- Recommendations of a Committee headed by the Director of EST&CC,
The Governor of Himachal Pradesh has approved further relaxation, now permitting use of petcoke with up to 7.5% sulphur content, under strict environmental conditions, until:
- Cleaner petcoke (≤7% sulphur) becomes available at nearby refineries (IOCL/HPCL), or
- Gas pipeline connectivity is extended to the industrial area.
🔑 Key Conditions and Compliance Requirements
Mandatory Pollution Control Systems:
- Industries must install:
- Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) Units
- Alkaline Wet Scrubbers
- Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) or Bag Filters
Real-Time Emissions Monitoring:
- All medium and large-scale units using petcoke must install Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS).
- CEMS must be linked to the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) for live compliance tracking.
Ban in Sensitive Areas:
Strict prohibition on petcoke usage and storage in:
- Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs)
- National Parks
- Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Buffer zones near urban areas
Enforcement by HPSPCB:
HPSPCB to:
- Conduct regular laboratory analysis of sulphur content as per Indian standards.
- Ensure industries achieve minimum 90% sulphur emission reduction.
- Submit scientific and compliance reports to the Administrative Department for long-term policy decisions.
- Provide Action Taken Reports to verify installation of pollution control equipment.
🏗 Special Provision for Cement Industry
- Cement industries using petcoke as feedstock are also allowed to use petcoke with up to 7.5% sulphur.
- They must adhere to:
- All mandatory pollution control measures
- MOEF&CC emission standards
📅 Effective Date
This notification is effective immediately from the 4th October 2025