CAQM Issues Statutory Direction for Stricter Particulate Matter (PM) Emission Norms in Industries across Delhi-NCR
CAQM Issues Statutory Direction for Stricter Particulate Matter (PM) Emission Norms in Industries across Delhi-NCR
In a move to further strengthen industrial emission control measures across the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Saturday issued Statutory Direction No. 98, proposing a uniform and more stringent particulate matter (PM) emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified industries across Delhi-NCR.
The Commission, considering the recommendations of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) based on studies conducted by IIT Kanpur, as well as the Technical Committee constituted by CPCB, is of the view that a PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ is technically achievable and environmentally necessary. The revised standard is expected to significantly reduce industrial emissions and contribute to the abatement of air pollution, leading to benefits for people living in the immediate vicinity of industrial sources and overall improvement in regional air quality.
The Commission has directed as follows:
i. The maximum permissible limit of PM emissions from 17 categories of highly polluting industries identified by CPCB, red category (medium and large) air-polluting industries, food and food processing units, textile industries having boilers/thermic fluid heaters and metal industries having furnaces operating in Delhi-NCR shall be 50 mg/Nm³.
This standard shall not apply to industrial units for which a PM emission standard of less than 50 mg/Nm³ has been prescribed under any applicable consent, direction or statutory provision.
ii. The revised PM emission standard shall be applicable to the targeted industries as follows:
a) Large and medium industries with effect from August 1, 2026;
b) Remaining industries with effect from October 1, 2026.
Industrial stack emissions are a significant source contributing to elevated PM levels in Delhi-NCR and also lead to secondary particulate formation, thereby adversely impacting air quality in the region. Since its inception, the Commission has undertaken a series of targeted measures, including mandatory transition to cleaner fuels, prescription of emission standards for biomass- and other fuel-based boilers and furnaces, and issuance of approved fuel lists through various statutory directions.
In this background, the respective NCR State Governments, the Government of NCT of Delhi, the Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee have been directed to ensure effective implementation of the statutory direction, particularly adherence to the prescribed timelines for compliance with the revised PM emission standard. They have also been directed to undertake intensive information, education, and communication (IEC) activities to sensitise stakeholders and spread awareness.