Emphasising on the state government’s commitment to manage organic waste and stubble, Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra said that a new State Bio-Energy policy was on the anvil that would ensure minimising water, air and land pollution.

“With the help of environmental experts, it is necessary to assess the policy’s implementation, its impact and side effects on the ground,” the chief secretary said during the presentation of the Uttar Pradesh State Bio-Energy Policy Draft-2022. The policy draft was presented by the Additional Energy Resources department.

Mishra said that in the new bio-energy policy it should be kept in mind that we have practical data related to the cost, profit and loss related to the action plan. 

“Make the policy after studying the demand of the economy and market. Along with this, the role of all departments related to implementation of the policy is also important and there should be excellent coordination among them,” the chief secretary said.

The first bio-energy policy was implemented in 2018 with the objective of promoting bio-energy enterprises. Under this policy, capital subsidy was assured to bio-energy enterprises, besides 100 percent reimbursement of state GST was given for 10 years and 100 percent exemption in stamp duty was provided on the purchase of land for the establishment. Also, 14 big projects related to various bio-energy products and technologies were issued acceptance letters, out of which commercial production has started in two units. Another unit is likely to be completed by June, 2022.

The new policy proposes 100 percent exemption in electricity tax, duty and stamp duty for 10 years and capital subsidy equal to 15 percent of the unit cost. Separate capital subsidy is also proposed on agricultural machinery used for collection, transportation and storage of biomass.

“The proposed policy will solve the problem of stubble burning, scientific disposal of organic waste. In addition, there will be an increase in production of bio-energy. With its introduction, investment and employment will come in the rural sector. There will be a reduction in the dependence on imported crude oil and petroleum gas, which will save huge amounts of foreign exchange,” Mishra said.