54% Of Delhi's Industrial Units Monitored Breach Emission, Pg4

Key Highlights:

• Over 54% of Delhi's industrial units with online monitoring systems are exceeding permissible emission limits.
• Nearly half (39 out of 87) of the installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) in Delhi's industrial areas are currently offline.
• Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) indicates that 26 of the 48 transmitting OCEMS show emission violations.
• Industrial emissions contribute up to 26% of Delhi's annual air pollution load, as per a 2018 TERI-ARAI source apportionment study.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has set a November 30 deadline for industries to operationalize their OCEMS.
• Metal processing, alloy manufacturing, brazing, and casting industries are identified as major violators.

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Detailed Insights:

• Delhi has 30,672 industrial units, but only 87 of the 128 highly-polluting units mandated to install OCEMS have done so.
• Industries have cited financial difficulties and supply chain disruptions due to the West Asia conflict as reasons for delays in OCEMS installation.
• Industrial emissions significantly contribute to both direct particulate matter and the formation of secondary particulate matter, especially during winter.
• The CAQM has directed industries to ensure real-time data transmission from OCEMS and pan-tilt-zoom cameras for better surveillance.
• In comparison, Haryana has achieved nearly 100% OCEMS coverage, while Uttar Pradesh has 648 units and Rajasthan has 150 units with such systems.
• Industrial hotspots with a high proportion of violations include Bawana, Wazirpur, Mayapuri, Badli, and New Mandoli.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS): Real-time systems used to continuously monitor and record industrial emissions for regulatory compliance.
• Air Quality Index (AQI): A numerical scale used to communicate daily air quality levels to the public, indicating how clean or polluted the air is.
• Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM): A statutory body established to coordinate and implement measures for air quality improvement in the NCR.
• Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC): The principal regulatory authority responsible for enforcing environmental laws and rules within the National Capital Territory of Delhi.