This page is a summary for general guidance, not legal advice. Always check the latest CAQM direction, because schedules and deadlines have been revised before.
CAQM rules at a glance
| Regulator | Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), enforced with the Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan pollution control authorities |
|---|---|
| Key instruction | Direction No. 76 (29 September 2023), later revised, with a capacity-based schedule for DG sets in the NCR |
| RECD standard | Certified RECD with at least 70% particulate matter capture for in-use DG sets up to 800 kW, as set in CAQM's earlier DG set directions |
| Enforcement | Flying-squad inspections, sealing of DG sets and environmental compensation |
Capacity schedule (summary of the revised direction)
| DG set capacity | What the CAQM schedule asks for (summary) |
|---|---|
| Up to 19 kW (portable sets) | No emission-control mechanism required; use is restricted during GRAP stages |
| 19 kW to below 61 kW | Dual-fuel (gas plus diesel) |
| 61 kW to below 800 kW | Dual-fuel or a certified RECD |
| 800 kW and above | Any emission-control mechanism that meets the notified stack standards; stack height of at least 30 m or building height plus 6 m, whichever is larger |
Does your DG set need an RECD?
Match your DG set's capacity in kW to the schedule above. If it falls in the 61 kW to below 800 kW band, you need either a dual-fuel conversion or a certified RECD. If you run a set of 800 kW or above, the stack emission standards and stack height apply. Convert kVA to kW with kW = kVA x 0.8, and use the nameplate figure.
Sets in the 61 kW to below 800 kW band that are properly equipped are allowed to run without restriction, including during GRAP periods, but confirm this against the current GRAP order.
What happens if you do not comply
- CAQM flying squads inspect industrial and commercial premises and report DG sets that have not been upgraded.
- Non-compliant sets can be sealed, and CAQM has directed state boards to levy environmental compensation, in some cases counted from 1 October 2023 until the date of sealing.
- De-sealing is allowed only after the compensation is deposited and corrective measures are taken as per CAQM norms.
What inspectors usually ask for
- Proof that the RECD comes from a CPCB-listed vendor, with the ARAI or ICAT certificate for your capacity.
- Installation and commissioning records.
- Emission test results after installation, from a CPCB-approved lab where requested.
- Photos of the DG set nameplate (kVA/kW, engine make, year of manufacture) and running-hour records.
- Maintenance or AMC records for the RECD.
- Gas connection or dual-fuel kit records, if you chose that route for a set in the 19 kW to 61 kW band.
How Novorbis helps in Delhi-NCR
Novorbis Itus is on the CPCB RECD vendor list (as of 30-06-2026) and supplies ARAI-certified devices. Our regional office is in Gurugram, serving sites across Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad. Our process:
- Site survey: we record DG set capacity, engine make, year of manufacture, running hours and exhaust layout, so we can confirm which CAQM band your set falls in.
- Device selection: we recommend the CarbonFree ESP (filterless) or the CarbonFree Advanced Catalyst+ depending on your set and duty cycle, using only devices whose certificate covers your capacity.
- Installation and commissioning: fitted to the exhaust line with commissioning records for your file.
- Emission testing: post-installation testing arranged through a CPCB-approved lab, where your board asks for it.
- Documents handed over: vendor listing reference, ARAI/ICAT certificate for your capacity, installation record, test report and an AMC schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Is RECD mandatory for DG sets in Delhi-NCR?
It depends on capacity. Under CAQM's schedule, sets from 61 kW to below 800 kW need dual-fuel or a certified RECD, sets from 19 kW to below 61 kW need dual-fuel, and larger sets must meet the stack standards. Check the latest CAQM direction for your band.
What is CAQM Direction No. 76?
It is CAQM's direction of 29 September 2023 that revised the schedule for regulated use of DG sets in the NCR. It was later revised, so refer to the current version on the CAQM website.
What standard must the RECD meet?
CAQM's directions refer to a certified RECD with at least 70% particulate matter capture for in-use DG sets up to 800 kW, certified under the CPCB procedure by agencies such as ARAI or ICAT.
Can I run my DG set during GRAP if it has an RECD?
CAQM's schedule allows sets in the 61 kW to below 800 kW band that are fitted with dual-fuel or a certified RECD to operate without restriction, including during GRAP periods. Confirm against the current GRAP order before relying on this.
What happens if my DG set is sealed?
CAQM has required that sealed sets be de-sealed only after environmental compensation is deposited and corrective measures are taken. Fitting a certified RECD is one such corrective measure.
Is Novorbis on the CPCB vendor list?
Yes. Novorbis Itus appears on the CPCB RECD vendor list (as of 30-06-2026).