1. To Curb Harmful Emissions from Diesel Generators
Diesel generator (DG) sets emit particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC) — all of which are harmful to human health and the environment. These emissions contribute significantly to urban air pollution, especially in industrial and densely populated areas like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, etc.
The CPCB has recognised that existing DG sets often do not meet current emission standards and therefore must be controlled with an external device — i.e., RECD — to reduce their pollutant output.
2. CPCB Has Issued Standards & Procedures for RECD Compliance
Under the CPCB’s revised system and procedure for emission compliance testing, RECD systems must be type-approved and tested according to official standards before being installed on DG sets. This ensures that retrofit devices effectively reduce particulate and gaseous emissions as per norm requirements.
This certification is required for retrofitting DG sets up to 800 kW capacity — one of the most commonly used size ranges in commercial and industrial applications.
3. Regulatory Mandates from CPCB and Pollution Control Boards
In many states, state pollution control boards (SPCBs) like KSPCB (Karnataka) have explicitly mandated that diesel DG sets above a certain capacity (e.g., 125 kVA) must be fitted with emission control devices to reduce air pollution.
Similarly, guidelines require periodic emission compliance testing and reporting once RECD is installed to ensure ongoing adherence to norms. Non-compliance can result in penalties, show-cause notices, or restrictions on generator operation.
4. Aligns with India’s Clean Air Goals and National Programmes
India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and related environmental initiatives prioritise reducing air pollutants across cities and industrial zones. Diesel generators are identified as a significant contributor to local air pollution. By mandating RECD installation, regulators aim to reduce ambient concentrations of harmful pollutants and improve public health outcomes.
5. Supported by Broader Emission Norm Evolution (CPCB IV+ and Beyond)
While CPCB IV+ norms primarily apply to new DG sets (requiring them to meet stricter emission limits), the RECD requirement is designed to ensure that existing DG sets — which are not inherently CPCB-IV+ compliant — can still meet environmental standards through retrofitting instead of replacement.
This two-pronged approach — stricter norms for new units and retrofitting for old ones — allows India to gradually reduce the total emission burden from both new and in-use DG sets.
6. Legal & Operational Consequences for Non-Compliance
Without a certified RECD installed where required:
- DG set operators may receive legal notices or face operation restrictions.
- Pollution control authorities can issue fines and penalties.
- Authorities in some regions may ban or seal non-compliant DG sets.
Installing RECD is therefore not just environmentally necessary but also legally essential for continued DG set operation in many parts of India.
In Summary
RECD has been made mandatory for diesel generator sets in India because:
India has strict emission control norms driven by CPCB and clean-air goals.
DG sets emit pollutants that must be reduced to protect public health.
RECD helps existing generators comply without expensive replacement.
Certified retrofit devices ensure real reductions in PM, NOx, CO, and HC.
Non-compliance attracts fines, shutdowns, and regulatory action.