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Delhi-NCR Gets Stricter 50 mg/Nm³ PM Emission Norms for Industries

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. This decision is based on studies by IIT Kanpur and recommendations from the Central Pollution Control Board. The new norm will apply to 17 categories of highly polluting industries, including textiles and metals, but excludes units already under stricter limits. The standards will be enforced from August 1 for large industries and October 1 for others, with state pollution boards directed to ensure compliance.

Key Points: Stricter 50 mg/Nm³ PM Emission Norms for Delhi-NCR Industries

  • Uniform PM standard of 50 mg/Nm³
  • Targets 17 highly polluting industries
  • Implementation from August & October 2024
  • Excludes units with stricter existing norms
2 min read

CAQM issues statutory direction proposing stricter PM emission norms for industries across Delhi-NCR

CAQM proposes a uniform PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for industries in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution, effective from August & October.

"a PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ is both technically achievable and environmentally necessary - Commission for Air Quality Management"

New Delhi, Feb 21

In a move to strengthen industrial emission control measures across the National Capital Region, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas on Saturday issued a statutory direction proposing a uniform and more stringent Particulate Matter emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified industries across Delhi-NCR.

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

Recognising the urgent need for stricter control, the Commission has undertaken a series of targeted measures since its inception.

These include the 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 statutory directions.

The Commission, after considering recommendations of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), based on a study conducted by IIT Kanpur and inputs from a Technical Committee constituted by CPCB, has concluded that a PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ is both technically achievable and environmentally necessary.

The revised standard is expected to significantly reduce industrial emissions, contributing to the abatement of air pollution and improving overall air quality in the region. It will also benefit people residing 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, 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

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 sensitise stakeholders and spread awareness.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Good step, but implementation is the real challenge. We have seen many such "directions" before. Will the MSMEs, which form the backbone, get any financial support or subsidy to upgrade their equipment? Without that, this might just lead to closures and job losses.
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Aman W
The study by IIT Kanpur gives this move credibility. It's not just arbitrary. Targeting specific industries like textiles and food processing makes sense. Now, we need the same stringent focus on vehicular pollution and construction dust. One step at a time!
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Sarah B
As an expat living in Gurgaon, the winter air quality is a major health concern for my family. This is a welcome development. Clear deadlines (Aug 1 & Oct 1) are good. Hope the public awareness campaigns (IEC activities) are effective.
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Vikram M
What about the smaller units? The "Red Category" covers medium and large, but many small workshops cause localised havoc. Also, the exception for units with already lower standards seems like a loophole. Overall direction is positive, but the devil is in the details.
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Nisha Z
This is long overdue. Every Diwali and winter we talk about air pollution, but industries pollute year-round. My child's asthma acts up so often. If this reduces emissions even by 20%, it will be a huge relief for families like mine. Jai Hind!

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