Air pollution in NCR Delhi requires strict and continuous monitoring. To address this issue, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued directions under Section 18(1)(b) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System installation and operation requirements for air-polluting industries are the main focus of these guidelines. Continuous monitoring of industrial emissions is made possible by the system, which also automatically transmits data to State Pollution Control Boards and the CPCB. These guidelines are applicable to common facilities and specific industrial categories that operate in Delhi's National Capital Region. Through self-monitoring and ongoing data reporting, the goal is to guarantee effective compliance.

Legal Authority Under the Air Act 1981 for OCEMS Directions

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, assigns defined roles to pollution control authorities, so that pollution can be under control. Section 16 authorizes CPCB to coordinate the activities of State Pollution Control Boards and provide technical guidance. Section 17 assigns SPCBs and Pollution Control Committees the responsibility to plan and implement air pollution control programs.

Under Section 18(1)(b) of the Air Act, CPCB can issue binding directions to SPCBs and PCCs. Using this power, CPCB has ordered industries in the NCR region or those that will start work in that region to install and connect OCEMS. These directions remain mandatory and enforceable across all applicable industrial units.

--------------Blog Contact Form-------------

Industries Required to Install OCEMS in NCR Delhi

CPCB has clearly and purely explained which industries need to install these OCEMS systems, and here are the industries given below:

• Seventeen High Pollution Potential Industries: These industries release heavy air pollutants. OCEMS installation is mandatory for continuous emission tracking.
• Common Waste Treatment and Management Facilities: These comprise boiler-equipped Common Effluent Treatment Plants, Biomedical Waste Incinerators, Hazardous Waste Incinerators, and Waste-to-Energy plants that use MSW incineration. Toxic emissions are strictly monitored by OCEMS.
• Red Category Air-Polluting Industries: Medium- and large-scale red category industries in NCR-Delhi must install OCEMS, except for units in the three special sectors.
• Three Focus Sectors with Higher Risk: The food and food processing, metal processing, and textile sectors require both OCEMS and PTZ camera installations. PTZ cameras allow visual verification of stack operations and emission sources.

OCEMS and PTZ Camera Requirements for Identified Sectors

CPCB has identified three industrial sectors requiring enhanced monitoring. These sectors include food and food processing, metal processing, and textile industries. For these sectors, the following requirements apply:

• Mandatory installation of OCEMS
• Mandatory installation of PTZ cameras
• Continuous connectivity with CPCB, SPCB, or PCC servers
• Installation from NPL-certified vendors only

These requirements aim to ensure continuous emission monitoring and visual verification of emission sources in the identified sectors.

Consent to Operate CTO Conditions for OCEMS Compliance

CPCB has directed SPCBs and PCCs to incorporate the installation of OCEMS and PTZ cameras as an essential condition in the Consent to Operate. This condition applies to:

• Existing units operating in NCR Delhi
• New and upcoming industrial units
• Units covered under identified categories and sectors

Industries must install OCEMS and ensure data connectivity before commencing or continuing operations. CTOs must clearly specify OCEMS requirements for applicable emission parameters. SPCBs and PCCs must ensure compliance before granting or renewing CTOs.

Action Taken Report and Compliance Timeline

SPCBs and PCCs must acknowledge receipt of CPCB directions. An Action Taken Report must be submitted to CPCB within fifteen days. This report must confirm the OCEMS and PTZ camera installations, as well as the data connectivity status, in all applicable units.

CPCB will review compliance based on the submitted report. SPCBs and PCCs must ensure immediate action for units that have not installed or connected OCEMS. These steps ensure the strict implementation of CPCB directions in NCR Delhi.

Conclusion

Mandatory OCEMS installation marks a major shift in air pollution control in NCR-Delhi. Continuous monitoring replaces manual checks and improves transparency. Real-time data helps authorities act quickly and ensures industries comply with emission standards every day. These directions strengthen self-regulation and reduce environmental damage. Strict CTO conditions, NPL-certified equipment, and PTZ camera integration create a strong compliance framework. Industries operating in NCR-Delhi must treat OCEMS as a core operational requirement. Clean air protection now depends on accurate monitoring, timely reporting, and responsible industrial behaviour. These measures support public health, environmental safety, and sustainable industrial growth across the region.