The National Clean Air Program (NCAP) is a comprehensive approach to reduce Air Pollution in the country, with a specific short-term target of reducing particulate matter pollution by 25-30% to be achieved by 2024. While the government has already been working on improving the monitoring infrastructure, the NCAP has brought focus on prevention, control and abatement of pollution. For the same, the NCAP also recognizes major sources of particulate matter pollution in the country.

Diesel Generators (DGs) are recognized among the major sources of PM2.5 pollution in India. It is also recognized as a major polluting source by the Honourable National Green Tribunal.

As per NCAP released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, DG sets contribute up to 7-18% to ambient air pollution in non-attainment cities. Also, the NCAP recommends the following measures to reduce particulate matter emissions from DGs:

1. Retro-fitted emission control equipment with diesel generators having a minimum specified particulate matter capturing efficiency of at least 70% certified by one of the 5 labs approved by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
2. Gas based generators either by retrofitting existing generators for partial usage of gas (a mixture of diesel and gas) or buying new gas-based generators. The retrofit emission control devices/ gas retrofits must be verified by (CPCB approved institutions which also provide emissions approval for diesel generators at manufacturers’ stage

During our interaction with pollution control boards of various states, it has come to our notice that there are was a lack of focus on reducing emissions from DG sets. As recommended by the National Clean Air Program, retrofit emission control devices or gas based generators can be adopted as solutions to reduce emissions from DG sets. We believe DGs are a major source of emissions and should definitely be addressed in the action plans for all cities and states in India.

As per a Times of India article dated 5th May, 2017, N.R.Raje, ex Environmental Pollution Control Authority member and an ex-Director at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, mentions that 10,000 gen-sets pollute equal to 50,000 heavy duty trucks.

If thousands like you sign today, the responsible committee will realise that we won’t rest until they enforce action on Air Pollution at all levels - Centre as well as State.

Thank you for supporting us!