Industry seeks more time to end diesel genset use in NCR

The Confederation of Indian Industries has sought more time from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to comply with its order banning diesel generator sets in the Delhi National Capital Region. In a representation to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the CII, on behalf of industry members of Delhi-NCR, has suggested that the timeline for a complete switch to piped natural gas/compressed natural gas or dual hybrid technology, and retrofitting emission control devices, be extended to a minimum of one year, the industry body said in a statement. Under the CAQM order dated February 8, 2022, it will be illegal to use gensets entirely fuelled by diesel in NCR from October 1, 2022, ahead of the winter 'pollution' season. The existing DG sets must be converted to hybrid/dual fuel mode (with 70 per cent gas-based fuel and 30 per cent diesel), and such gensets will also need to be equipped with retrofitted emission control devices. Alternatively, only CNG/PNG gensets are to be used by the industrial units with effect from October 1, 2022. Rohit Relan, chairman of CII Haryana and head of Bharat Seats Ltd, argued that very few factories have been able to shift to PNG-based generators, as a comprehensive pipeline network is still under construction and supply to units is limited to a few industrial areas in Delhi-NCR. See also: Pune makes EV charging facilities mandatory for new buildingsWipro receives contract from UK Treasury