Emission Regulations & Standards for Diesel Generator Sets in India
Emission regulations and standards are critical frameworks established to protect human health and the environment from harmful pollutants. In India, regulatory bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) set and enforce guidelines to limit the release of air pollutants from industrial sources, including diesel generators and other combustion engines.
These standards aim to limit emissions of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) all of which contribute to poor air quality, respiratory diseases, and climate change. Understanding and complying with these emission norms is essential for industries, commercial facilities, and infrastructure projects.
DG Set Emission Regulations:
Year-wise Policy Timeline
Over the past decade, India has introduced a series of regulatory measures to control air pollution caused by diesel generator (DG) sets. These regulations, issued by central and state authorities, focus on reducing particulate matter, NOx emissions, and enforcing cleaner operational practices. Below is a timeline highlighting the key policy milestones that have shaped DG set emission compliance across the country.
2018
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) unveiled National Clean Air Program (NCAP) in December 2018.
2019
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued an order, mandating the utilization of Retrofit Emission Control Technologies and Dual Fuel Kits for diesel generator sets.
2022
CPCB issued Type Approval notification on 1st Feb 2022, followed by CAQM notification on 8th Feb 2022, subsequent SPCB notifications by respective states.
2023
CAQM issued Direction 76 on 29 September 2023, mandating a unified schedule for regulated operation of DG sets, superseding all earlier directions.
2024
CAQM issued an addendum to Direction 76, including DG sets from 61–125 kW under the RECD category and notified standard Environmental Compensation (EC) charges for DG set violations.
Central Government Guidelines
Central Pollution Control Board
Commission for Air Quality Management
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
National Green Tribunal, New Delhi
State Government Guidelines
Andhra Pradesh
Delhi
Goa
Gujarat
Haryana
Jammu & Kashmir
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Odisha
Puducherry
Tamil Nadu
Telangana
Regulations: Common Questions Answered
What is CPCB and what role does it play in emission control?
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is India’s primary statutory organization responsible for setting and enforcing emission standards for diesel generators under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. CPCB establishes guidelines for Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECD) and mandates emission reduction requirements for DG sets across India.
What are the current CPCB emission standards for diesel generators in India?
CPCB has established stringent emission limits for diesel generators based on their power output. The latest CPCB 2023 norms mandate at least 70-90% reduction in particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC) from DG sets. Specific limits are prescribed for generators ranging from 61 kVA to 1000 kVA operating in non-attainment cities and industrial zones.
How often do CPCB emission standards get updated?
CPCB periodically revises emission norms based on air quality goals and technological progress. Major updates were introduced between 2021 and 2023, making compliance requirements more stringent.
What is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)?
NCAP is a government initiative launched in 2018 to reduce air pollution in non-attainment cities. It mandates stricter emission controls for diesel generators operating in these regions.
What is CAQM and how does it regulate DG sets?
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) regulates air pollution in Delhi NCR and adjoining areas. It enforces operational restrictions on diesel generators during high pollution periods under GRAP.
Which cities are classified as non-attainment cities?
Non-attainment cities are those that fail to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Over 130 cities, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata, fall under this category.