New Delhi: PM emission norms in Delhi-NCR will soon become stricter after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued Statutory Direction No. 98 on Saturday.
The Commission has proposed a uniform particulate matter (PM) emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified industries across the National Capital Region. Officials said the move will strengthen industrial emission control measures and improve regional air quality.
CAQM based its decision on recommendations from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The board relied on studies conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and inputs from its Technical Committee. According to the Commission, the revised standard is technically achievable and environmentally necessary.
PM emission norms in Delhi-NCR set at 50 mg/Nm³
Under the new direction, 17 categories of highly polluting industries identified by CPCB must comply with the 50 mg/Nm³ limit. The rule also covers red category medium and large industries, food processing units, textile industries operating boilers or thermic fluid heaters, and metal industries running furnaces.
However, the revised norm will not apply to units that already follow stricter standards below 50 mg/Nm³ under existing statutory provisions.
CAQM has fixed phased implementation timelines. Large and medium industries must comply from August 1, 2026. Remaining industries will need to meet the revised standard from October 1, 2026.
Industrial stack emissions significantly contribute to high PM levels in Delhi-NCR. They also lead to secondary particulate formation, which worsens regional air quality. Since its inception, CAQM has pushed industries to adopt cleaner fuels and follow approved fuel lists.
The Commission has directed NCR state governments, the Government of NCT of Delhi, and Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to ensure strict implementation. Authorities must also conduct intensive awareness campaigns to sensitise stakeholders about compliance requirements.
Officials believe that tighter PM emission norms in Delhi-NCR will reduce pollution exposure for communities living near industrial clusters and contribute to sustained air quality improvement across the region.
