CAQM issues Sept 30 deadline for retrofitting DG sets in NCR

On June 2, the CAQM had issued similar directions on the use of DG sets and said only retrofitted, 19kW generators will be allowed to operate even when the graded response action plan (Grap) is not in effect

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Wednesday issued fresh regulations for the use of diesel generator (DG) sets in the National Capital Region (NCR) and reiterated that all government and private establishments must use DG sets that are of a capacity of over 19 kilowatts (kW) and are retrofitted with emission control devices (ECDs) or dual fuel kits of natural gas and diesel.

CAQM also stressed that DG sets under 19 kW will not be allowed even for emergency services, and both private and government establishments must ensure compliance of these directions. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

All establishments have been given time till September 30, the CAQM said, post which the use of diesel generators will not be allowed in any circumstance anywhere in the NCR.

It also stressed that DG sets under 19 kW will not be allowed even for emergency services, and both private and government establishments must ensure compliance of these directions.

By installing a dual fuel kit, a generator can use both diesel as well as greener fuels such as CNG or PNG to produce electricity. The generator sets running on gas are cleaner and produce less pollution as compared to DG sets, according to energy experts.

The direction issued by CAQM on June 28 said,” The commission issued a revised schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors in the NCR, including industrial, commercial, residential and office establishments etc. which would come in force in the entire NCR strictly w.e.f 01. 10.2023. It was accordingly also directed that retrofitting of dual fuel kits or ECDs, wherever warranted as per the revised schedule, must be targeted to be completed latest by 30.09.2023, failing which the use of the diesel genset shall not be permitted under any circumstance, anywhere in the entire NCR including for use in essential services.”

On June 2, the CAQM had issued similar directions on the use of DG sets and said only retrofitted, 19kW generators will be allowed to operate even when the graded response action plan (Grap) is not in effect.

In the previous years, the commission had allowed the use of diesel sets for essential and emergency services such as operations of Metro stations, airports, health-care facilities and similar establishments.

The latest directions by the commission had not gone down well with the industry bodies and Gurugram residents, who claimed that it was costly and difficult to convert DG sets to dual fuel mode or retrofit it with ECDs.

Pravin Malik, president, United Association of New Gurugram, a group of residents’ welfare associations, said the process of converting the generators to dual fuel mode is very costly, making it prohibitive for an average RWA. “The government should focus on building adequate electricity infrastructure as there are several areas where the supply lines are not adequate, and connection is taken from rural feeders. Residents in such places are forced to use DG sets. The cost of retrofitting is very high and government should focus on providing power 24x7 power,” he said.

The industrialists said a majority of units were small and medium enterprises and it was beyond their capacity to spend around ₹45-50 lakh for a single conversion. “Large industries may be able to afford this cost but it is impossible for medium enterprises to spend lakhs on this. Also, the permission to run these units is only for two hours a day. Spending such huge amounts on conversion is not viable under the circumstance,” Sumit Rao, general secretary, Gurgaon Industrial Association.

The association also said government should ensure 24-hour power supply so that there is no need to run DG sets.

Running diesel generators , as per experts, leads to emission of carbon monoxide, nitrogen and other particulate matter which causes serious air pollution and health issues in humans. They also said people living near DG sets are prone to several diseases related to lungs, hardening of arteries and other issues.

Anumita Roy Chowdhary, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre of Science and Environment said that there is need to strengthen electricity supply and distribution in NCR. “Emission from diesel is carcinogenic and it is important to curb the use of gensets and these should be run on dual fuel kits,” she said.

When asked about what steps DHBVN is taking to ensure uninterrupted power supply, Sanjay Chugh, spokesperson of the utility. said all efforts are being made to ensure continuous supply in Gurugram and adjoining areas so that there is minimum need to use gensets. “We have already improved power supply in the city, and reduced our response time to manage faults. A large number of industrial and commercial establishments, particularly hospitals, have been given a dedicated powerline to ensure continuous supply,” he said.

Chugh also said directions issued by the CAQM will be complied with strictly. “A number of areas in the city already have underground power lines and these areas already face no issues,” he said.