This page is a summary for general guidance, not legal advice. Check the latest GPCB circular before acting.
GPCB rules at a glance
| Regulator | Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) |
|---|---|
| Earlier circular | 26 October 2023: industries and establishments running DG sets of 125 kVA and above in Gujarat to comply with emission-control requirements (RECD or gas-based generation) |
| Current circular | 7 July 2026: non-attainment cities in Gujarat to implement the DG set approach in CAQM Direction No. 76, with RECD or dual-fuel/gas depending on capacity |
| Above 800 kW | A suitable air pollution control device (APCD), subject to the emission standards |
| RECD certification | CPCB notified the procedure for testing and certifying RECDs on 28 March 2023 |
Capacity schedule under the CAQM Direction No. 76 approach (summary)
| 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 |
What changed in 2026
The 2023 circular used a simple threshold of 125 kVA and above. For non-attainment cities such as Ahmedabad and Surat, the 2026 circular brings in a capacity-based schedule that reaches down to smaller sets. If you run a DG set below 125 kVA, check whether the new schedule now applies to you.
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.
- DG set capacity in kW, the route you chose (RECD or dual-fuel) and the date of fitment, for non-attainment cities.
How Novorbis helps in Gujarat
Novorbis Itus is on the CPCB RECD vendor list (as of 30-06-2026) and supplies ARAI-certified devices. Our process:
- Site survey: we record DG set capacity, engine make, year of manufacture, running hours and exhaust layout at your site.
- 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 Gujarat?
GPCB has directed DG set operators to control emissions through a certified RECD or by shifting to gas-based generation. The 2023 circular covered sets of 125 kVA and above, and the 2026 circular applies a capacity-based schedule in the non-attainment cities.
Which Gujarat cities are covered by the 2026 circular?
The circular applies to the non-attainment cities in Gujarat, which include Ahmedabad and Surat. Check the circular for the full list.
Does my DG set below 125 kVA need an RECD?
Under the 2026 schedule, sets from 61 kW (about 76 kVA) to below 800 kW need dual-fuel or a certified RECD in non-attainment cities. Sets of 19 kW to below 61 kW need dual-fuel. Confirm against the circular.
What about DG sets above 800 kW?
For sets above 800 kW, GPCB refers to a suitable APCD that meets the emission standards. Stack height requirements may also apply.
What standard must the RECD meet?
It must be certified under the CPCB RECD procedure, which refers to at least 70% particulate matter reduction, by an approved agency such as ARAI or ICAT.
Is Novorbis on the CPCB vendor list?
Yes. Novorbis Itus appears on the CPCB RECD vendor list (as of 30-06-2026).