The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday issued fresh guidelines to prevent, control, and abate air pollution caused by diesel generator (DG) sets in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The commission has directed all sectors in the NCR including industrial, commercial, residential, and office establishments to adopt the Revised Schedule for regulated operations of Diesel Generator (DG) sets including for periods under GRAP effective from 1 October 2023.
“To comprehensively and effectively prevent, control and abate air pollution caused by Diesel Generator (DG) sets in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), in modification of all extant directions/orders/guidelines, has directed for the adoption of the Revised Schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR including Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Office establishments, etc,” the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change said.
“Retro-fitment of dual fuel kits and Emission Control Devices (ECDs), wherever warranted, needs to be targeted to be completed latest by 30 September 2023, failing which the use of the DG set shall not be permitted under any circumstances, anywhere in the entire NCR, even for periods not under GRAP restrictions,” the Ministry said.
According to the Ministry’s statement, representations from industrial associations, commercial entities, business organisations and individuals were received in the Commission and the issues have been repeatedly raised during interactions including with the industrial associations and the Chambers of Commerce, and with MSMEs associations across NCR in particular citing various techno-commercial and financial constraints.
“In view of the technical, commercial and practical aspects, as well as the constraints involved in emission control from DG sets and considering the practical aspects of the implementation of Directions and a need to minimise pollution arising out of large-scale use of DG sets across the various sectors including industrial, commercial, institutional and residential units/ premises, the extant directions on the regulated use of DG sets were comprehensively reviewed leading to the revised schedule,” the statement read.
The Ministry further said, NCR State Pollution Control Boards (PCBs)/ DPCC shall ensure compliance with the above Directions through suitable consent mechanisms and periodic monitoring.