New Delhi, February 21 – In an effort to strengthen emission control measures across the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) issued a directive on Saturday, proposing a uniform and stricter standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for particulate matter (PM) emissions from identified industries across Delhi-NCR.
Industrial stack emissions are a major source of elevated PM levels in Delhi-NCR and also contribute to the formation of secondary particulate matter, negatively impacting the region's air quality.
Recognizing the urgent need for stricter control, the Commission has implemented a series of targeted measures since its inception.
These include mandatory transition to cleaner fuels, the prescription of emission standards for biomass and other fuel-based boilers and furnaces, and the issuance of approved fuel lists through various directives.
Based on recommendations from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), following a study conducted by IIT Kanpur and input from a Technical Committee constituted by CPCB, the Commission has concluded that a PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ is both technically feasible and environmentally necessary.
The revised standard is expected to significantly reduce industrial emissions, contributing to the reduction of air pollution and improving overall air quality in the region. It will also benefit people living in the immediate vicinity of industrial clusters.
According to the press release, the maximum permissible limit of PM emissions from 17 categories of highly polluting industries identified by CPCB, including Red Category (medium and large) air-polluting industries, food and food processing units, textile industries with boilers or thermic fluid heaters, and metal industries operating furnaces in Delhi-NCR, shall be 50 mg/Nm³.
However, this standard will not apply to industrial units already prescribed a PM emission standard lower than 50 mg/Nm³ under any applicable consent, direction, or statutory provision.
The revised PM emission norms will come into effect for large and medium industries from August 1, and for the remaining industries from October 1.
Furthermore, the respective NCR State Governments, the GNCTD, and the Pollution Control Boards in the States of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee have been directed by the Commission to ensure effective implementation of the directive, particularly the targeted timelines for compliance with the revised PM emission standard, and also undertake intensive IEC activities to sensitize stakeholders and raise awareness.