Delhi-NCR industries get relief as CAQM extends PM norms deadline

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management has extended the timeline for implementation of the revised Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards for industries operating across Delhi-NCR, officials said on Friday.

The amendment has been issued after consideration of the recommendations of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and representations received from industries and industrial associations in relation to the prevailing status of compliance with the revised emission norms.

The CAQM had issued a notification in February prescribing a uniform and stringent PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified categories of industries across Delhi-NCR, based on technical recommendations of CPCB and studies undertaken by IIT Kanpur.


As per the new timeline, the revised PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ shall now become applicable to all industries with effect from October 1.

"The revised PM emission standard continues to remain technically achievable and environmentally necessary for reducing industrial emissions and improving ambient air quality in the region," the CAQM said in a statement.

Subsequent to issuance of the Direction, the CPCB, in coordination with the NCR State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), has undertaken extensive efforts to facilitate compliance, including issuance of directions to the concerned agencies, development of a dedicated online portal for monitoring the installation and retrofitting of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) and periodic review of the implementation status.

During this process, industry associations highlighted certain practical challenges in meeting the prescribed timelines, including extended procurement and installation periods for APCDs, limited availability of agencies for adequacy assessment and capacity constraints of recognized laboratories for compliance verification.

"CPCB accordingly recommended extension of the compliance timelines. After examining all relevant submissions, the commission has concluded that a limited extension of the implementation timeline would facilitate effective and uniform compliance by industries without compromising the objective of reducing industrial emissions.

"The commission has revised the implementation schedule and stipulated that the revised PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ shall now become applicable to all industries with effect from October 1. The amendment is intended solely to provide additional time for industries to complete the necessary installation, retrofitting and assessment of APCDs, while ensuring full compliance with the stringent particulate matter," the CAQM said.