CAQM revises PM standards: 17 categories of industries to comply with stricter pollution norms by Oct

Friday’s direction follows recommendations made by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), based on a technical study conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, which evaluated emission control technologies, feasibility and costs for targeted industrial sectors.

According to CAQM, industrial stack emissions, which are a significant contributor to particulate pollution in NCR, also lead to secondary particulate formation, adversely impacting ambient air quality and public health. It said the revised norm was “technically achievable and environmentally necessary” and help reduce emissions substantially.

The CPCB’s technical committee has recommended installation or upgradation of air pollution control devices, including bag filters, wet scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators, through vendors empanelled with the National Productivity Council, to enable industries to meet the new standards.

Noting that gas-based boilers and furnaces are already expected to meet emission levels below 50 mg/Nm³, the CAQM said the revised norms would not apply to units that already have stricter standards in place, such as thermal power plants or waste-to-energy plants.’

Governments in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, along with their respective pollution control bodies, have been directed to publicise the order and ensure compliance.

According to CAQM, the revised norm “will reduce the emissions from industries significantly and will contribute to abatement of air pollution from industrial emissions,” benefiting populations living near industrial clusters and improving overall regional air quality.