CAQM Mandates Tighter PM Norms for Industries Across Delhi-NCR
50 mg/Nm³ Uniform Emission Standard to Apply from August 2026
- Uniform PM emission cap of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified industries
- Large and medium units to comply from August 1, 2026
- Remaining industries to meet norms from October 1, 2026
- States directed to ensure strict enforcement and awareness drives
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Feb: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued Statutory Direction No. 98 mandating a uniform and more stringent particulate matter (PM) emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified industries across Delhi-NCR.
The direction, aimed at strengthening industrial emission control measures in the National Capital Region, follows recommendations by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), based on studies conducted by IIT Kanpur and inputs from a Technical Committee constituted by CPCB.
According to the Commission, a PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ is both technically achievable and environmentally essential. The revised norm is expected to substantially reduce industrial emissions, curb secondary particulate formation and improve regional air quality, particularly for communities residing near industrial clusters.
Under the statutory direction, the maximum permissible PM emission limit of 50 mg/Nm³ will apply to 17 categories of highly polluting industries identified by CPCB, red category (medium and large) air-polluting industries, food and food processing units, textile industries operating boilers or thermic fluid heaters, and metal industries running furnaces in Delhi-NCR.
However, the revised standard will not apply to units where a stricter PM emission limit—lower than 50 mg/Nm³—has already been prescribed under any consent, statutory provision or existing direction.
The implementation will take place in phases. Large and medium industries must comply with the new norm from August 1, 2026, while the remaining industries will be required to meet the standard from October 1, 2026.
Industrial stack emissions have been identified as a major contributor to elevated PM levels in Delhi-NCR. Since its inception, CAQM has introduced multiple measures to curb pollution, including mandatory transition to cleaner fuels, prescription of emission standards for fuel-based boilers and furnaces, and issuance of approved fuel lists.
The Commission has directed NCR State Governments, the Government of NCT of Delhi, Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to ensure strict enforcement of the revised standards within the stipulated timelines. Authorities have also been instructed to conduct intensive information, education and communication campaigns to sensitise industries and stakeholders regarding compliance requirements.
