CAQM pushes revised PM emission norm for NCR industries to 1 October 2026
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) amended its Direction No. 98 on 31 July 2026, so the stricter 50 mg/Nm³ particulate matter standard for Delhi-NCR industries now applies from 1 October 2026.
Summary
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) issued an amendment to its statutory Direction No. 98 on 31 July 2026, extending the deadline for revised particulate matter (PM) emission standards for industries across Delhi-NCR. The revised standard will now come into effect from 1 October 2026. Direction No. 98, notified on 20 February 2026, set a uniform PM emission limit of 50 mg/Nm³ for identified categories of industries, based on recommendations of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and studies by IIT Kanpur. CAQM made the change after considering CPCB's recommendations and representations from industry on compliance status, and said the standard remains technically achievable.
Key facts
- Body
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Action
- Amendment to Direction No. 98 – 31 Jul 2026
- New effective date
- 1 Oct 2026
- Standard
- PM emission 50 mg/Nm³ for identified industries
- Original direction
- Notified 20 Feb 2026
- Technical basis
- CPCB recommendations; IIT Kanpur studies
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under CAQM's Direction No. 98, as amended in July 2026, from which date will the revised PM emission standard for Delhi-NCR industries apply?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1 October 2026
The amendment issued on 31 July 2026 makes the revised PM emission standard effective from 1 October 2026.
What uniform particulate matter emission limit does CAQM's Direction No. 98 prescribe for identified categories of industries in Delhi-NCR?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 50 mg/Nm³
Direction No. 98, notified on 20 February 2026, prescribes a uniform PM emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³, based on CPCB recommendations and IIT Kanpur studies.