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Delhi-NCR Industries Face New 50 mg/Nm³ PM Emission Deadline

The Commission for Air Quality Management has issued a statutory direction proposing a stringent, uniform Particulate Matter emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for industries across Delhi-NCR. The new norm targets 17 categories of highly polluting industries, along with Red Category and other specified sectors like Food Processing and Metals. Large and medium industries must comply by August 1, 2024, while other targeted industries have until October 1, 2024. State pollution control boards have been directed to ensure implementation and conduct awareness campaigns for stakeholders.

Key Points: Delhi-NCR Gets Stricter 50 mg/Nm³ Industrial PM Emission Norms

  • New 50 mg/Nm³ PM standard for industries
  • Applies to 17 highly polluting categories
  • Large & medium units must comply by Aug 1
  • Aims to reduce industrial emissions & improve air quality
2 min read

CAQM issues statutory direction proposing strict Particulate Matter (PM) emission norms for industries across Delhi-NCR

CAQM proposes uniform 50 mg/Nm³ PM standard for industries in Delhi-NCR to curb air pollution, with compliance deadlines starting August 1.

"the particulate matter emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ is technically achievable and environmentally necessary - Commission for Air Quality Management"

New Delhi, February 21

In a move to further strengthen industrial emission control measures across the National Capital Region, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas has issued Statutory Direction No. 98, proposing a uniform and more stringent Particulate Matter emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified industries across Delhi-NCR, according to a release.

Industrial stack emissions are a significant source of aggravating PM levels in Delhi-NCR and also contribute to secondary particulate formation, thereby adversely impacting the air quality of the region.

Since its inception, the Commission has undertaken a series of targeted measures including mandatory transition to cleaner fuels, prescribing emission standards for biomass and other fuel-based boilers and furnaces, and issuance of approved fuel list through various Statutory Directions.

The Commission, considering the recommendations of the CPCB, based on the study of IIT, Kanpur and also the Technical Committee constituted by CPCB, is of the view that the particulate matter emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ is technically achievable and environmentally necessary. This revised standard will reduce the emissions from industries significantly and will contribute to abatement of air pollution from industrial emissions leading to benefits for the people in the immediate vicinity of industrial sources and also improvement in the overall air quality of the region.

According to the release, the Commission has directed that the maximum permissible limit of Particulate Matter (PM) emissions from 17 Categories of highly polluting industries identified by CPCB, Red Category (Medium and Large) air polluting industries, Food & Food Processing, and Textile industries having boilers/thermic fluid heaters and Metal industries having furnaces, operating in Delhi-NCR, shall be 50 mg/Nm³; provided that this standard shall not apply to those industrial units which have been prescribed PM emission standard of less than 50 mg/Nm3 under any applicable consent, direction or Statutory provision.

The revised PM emission standard shall be applicable to the targeted industries.

Large and Medium industries with effect from August 1, and the remaining industries with effect from October 1.

Further, the respective NCR State Governments and 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 Statutory Direction, particularly the targeted timelines for compliance with the revised PM emission standard and also undertake intensive IEC activities to sensitize stakeholders and spread awareness.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
This is a welcome step, but what about the compliance cost for MSMEs? Many small textile and food processing units operate on thin margins. The government should announce a subsidy scheme or easy loans for upgrading pollution control equipment alongside this directive.
R
Rahul R
Good move, but we've seen such orders before. The real test is implementation. Will the big industries in Haryana and UP actually comply by August? Or will they get extensions? Need transparent monitoring and heavy penalties for violators. No more chalta hai attitude.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Gurgaon for work, the winter smog is terrifying. If the IIT study says this standard is achievable, then industries have no excuse. Public health must come before profit. Hope this brings some relief to the people living right next to these industrial zones.
A
Aman W
While targeting industry is important, let's not forget the other major contributors: vehicle emissions and stubble burning. Need a comprehensive, year-round plan. This is one piece of the puzzle. Good step, but the journey to clean air is long.
K
Kavya N
The directive mentions IEC activities to sensitize stakeholders. This is key! Many small factory owners may not fully understand the health impact or the new norms. Awareness campaigns in local languages are a must for successful implementation. Jai Hind!

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