NCR Sets Stricter PM Emission Standards for Industries
In a significant effort to enhance air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on Saturday a new statutory directive aimed at regulating industrial emissions more stringently. Statutory Direction No. 98 proposes a new particulate matter (PM) emission limit of 50 mg/Nm³ for various industries operating within the NCR, a move that follows recommendations from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and studies from IIT Kanpur.
The CAQM believes this revised emissions standard is not only achievable but also vital for reducing pollution levels in the region. By enforcing a cap on PM emissions, the commission anticipates a marked improvement in air quality, particularly benefiting residents near industrial zones.
New Emission Limits for Key Industries
The directive specifies that the new PM emissions limit will apply to 17 categories of highly polluting industries classified as red category (medium and large) sources of air pollution. These categories include food processing units, textile industries equipped with boilers, and metal industries operating furnaces. Importantly, this standard will not apply to facilities already adhering to more stringent PM emission limits.
The timeline for compliance has also been laid out: large and medium industries must meet the new standard by August 1, 2026, while remaining industries will have until October 1, 2026, to comply.
Addressing Air Quality Challenges
Industrial emissions significantly contribute to elevated PM levels in the NCR, further exacerbating air quality issues across the region. In response, the CAQM has implemented several measures aimed at curbing emissions, including mandating cleaner fuel transitions and establishing emission standards for various sources of pollution.
As part of the latest directive, the CAQM has instructed relevant government bodies—including the NCR State Governments and Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan—to ensure strict adherence to the new standards. Authorities are also required to carry out extensive awareness campaigns to inform stakeholders about the changes and their implications.
This regulatory move underscores the commitment of the CAQM and surrounding state governments to tackle air pollution in one of India’s most densely populated regions. By instituting tighter emission controls, they aim not only to enhance environmental health but also to secure better living conditions for millions affected by industrial pollution.
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