KSPCB Makes RECD Retrofitting Mandatory for DG Sets in Karnataka

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has again put diesel generator emissions under focus. Through its circular dated 19 August 2026, the Board has directed concerned industries, establishments and organisations to comply with the requirements for Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs) and other applicable pollution-control measures for diesel generator sets.

This is not a completely new requirement. KSPCB has been issuing orders, notifications, addenda and reminders on DG-set retrofitting since 2021. The latest circular brings those directions back into focus and asks field officers to ensure that the conditions are reflected in Consent for Establishment (CFE) and Consent for Operation (CFO), wherever applicable. 

For businesses, the most important point is that the circular uses different capacity references for different situations. It refers to 61 kW to 800 kW, DG sets above 800 kW, DG sets above 125 kVA in the CFE/CFO condition, and a CPCB-certified RECD product range of 19 kW to 800 kW. These figures should not be treated as one common threshold.

KSPCB RECD Circular 2026 at a Glance

The circular is therefore better read as an implementation and compliance-monitoring document rather than a one-line rule that applies identically to every diesel generator.

What Is the KSPCB RECD Retrofitting Circular 2026?

The circular deals with pollution control from existing diesel generator sets operating in Karnataka.

A Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) is fitted to the exhaust system of an existing diesel generator to reduce particulate emissions. KSPCB's directions require covered businesses to examine whether their existing generators need a certified RECD, a dual-fuel arrangement, a newer compliant genset or another suitable air pollution control device.

The correct answer depends on the generator.

A 300 kW DG set that has been operating for several years cannot automatically be treated in the same way as a generator above 800 kW. Similarly, the 125 kVA condition appearing in CFE/CFO has to be read in its own context.

This is where many businesses can make a mistake: they look only at the words “RECD mandatory” and purchase equipment before checking which clause actually applies to their DG set.

Why Has KSPCB Focused on RECD Retrofitting?

The circular explains the issue through a wider air-pollution-control background.

• National Clean Air Programme

KSPCB refers to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in January 2019.

The programme was introduced to improve air quality in non-attainment and million-plus cities. Diesel generator emissions form part of the wider concern around particulate pollution, particularly in areas where generators are used regularly.

• National Green Tribunal Directions

The circular also refers to the National Green Tribunal's order dated 6 August 2019 in OA No. 681/2018.

The order concerned remedial measures for enforcement of Ambient Air Quality Standards in non-attainment cities, with reference to the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

• Why Existing DG Sets Matter

An older DG set may still be mechanically usable, but that does not automatically mean its emission performance meets current pollution-control expectations.

KSPCB's approach is therefore not limited to replacing old equipment. The framework also allows certain generators to continue operating with appropriate emission-control measures, subject to the applicable conditions.

Regulatory Background of KSPCB DG Set Retrofitting

The August 2026 circular did not start this compliance requirement. KSPCB has been working on the issue for several years.

Key Regulatory Timeline

This sequence tells businesses something important: the August 2026 circular is primarily pushing implementation of requirements that had already been communicated through earlier Board documents. 

Who Is Covered by the KSPCB RECD Requirements?

The KSPCB framework referred to in the circular covers a broad group of establishments using applicable diesel generator sets.

These include:

• Industries 
• Commercial establishments 
• Projects 
• Buildings 
• Utilities 
• Airports 
• Railway stations 
• Other premises operating covered DG sets 

The present circular is addressed to all concerned industries, establishments and organisations. That does not mean that every DG set installed in Karnataka automatically needs the same retrofit. Before deciding on compliance, a business should check:

• DG Set Capacity: The actual rating of the generator matters. The circular uses both kW and kVA, and the two should not be casually interchanged.
• Manufacturing Date: The main 61 kW to 800 kW retrofit provision refers to in-use generators that are more than five years old.
• Operating Hours: The useful-life condition also refers to total operating hours.
• Existing Consent Conditions: Some establishments may already have a specific RECD requirement written into their CFE or CFO.
• Existing Emission Standard: The emission category of the genset can affect which compliance route is suitable.

Which DG Sets Require RECD Retrofitting in Karnataka?

The main provision discussed in the circular applies to in-use DG sets from 61 kW to 800 kW, subject to the conditions stated by KSPCB.

For this category, the circular refers to generators:

• Older than five years from the date of manufacture, 
• Still within their stated useful life, and 
• Falling within the applicable technical conditions. 

KSPCB defines the useful life of a generator as 15 years from the date of manufacture or 50,000 operating hours, whichever comes first.

So, businesses need to consider both the age of the generator and its operating hours. A generator may be less than 15 years old but still cross the 50,000-hour limit due to heavy use. On the other hand, a lightly used generator may reach the 15-year limit before reaching 50,000 operating hours.

DG Set Capacity-Wise Compliance Requirements

The capacity of the DG set changes how the circular should be read.

The distinction matters because an establishment operating a DG set above 800 kW should not simply apply the 61-800 kW RECD provision to itself.

What Does the 70% PM Capture Requirement Mean?

KSPCB requires the RECD to have a minimum particulate matter (PM) capture efficiency of 70% under the applicable conditions.

Particulate matter, or PM, refers to the fine particles released through generator exhaust.

Before installing the RECD, check that it meets the 70% PM capture requirement. Also check the certification and test report instead of relying only on the vendor's claim.

Three things need attention before procurement:

• Is the device covered by the relevant certification? 
• Is it suitable for the capacity of the DG set? 
• Does its certified PM capture performance meet the applicable condition? 

This is why RECD selection is a compliance decision, not merely a purchase decision.

Age and Useful-Life Conditions for Existing DG Sets

The circular gives specific importance to age and operating life.

• DG Sets Older Than Five Years

The main retrofit clause for the 61-800 kW range refers to generators that are more than five years old from their date of manufacture.

The manufacturing date should therefore be verified from the DG-set nameplate, OEM documents or other reliable equipment records.

• Maximum Useful Life

For the relevant provision, useful life is stated as:

• 15 years from the manufacturing date, or 
• 50,000 operating hours 

Whichever comes earlier.

What Does “Whichever Is Earlier” Mean?

It means the first limit reached becomes relevant. If a generator completes 50,000 operating hours in 11 years, the operating-hours condition is reached first. If another generator remains lightly used but completes 15 years, the age-based useful-life condition is reached first.

The circular does not create a separate certificate called an “expiry certificate” for this calculation.

What Alternatives to RECD Are Mentioned?

RECD installation is not the only compliance route referred to in the circular.

1. Certified RECD:  The main route for the relevant category is installation of a certified RECD from an approved manufacturer. 

For businesses, the key check should be certification and technical compatibility.

2. Dual-Fuel System: KSPCB also refers to use of a dual-fuel system for in-use DG sets of less than 800 kW, up to the useful life mentioned in the circular.

Businesses considering this route should first confirm whether it is technically and regulatory suitable for the specific generator.

3. Shift to a Newer Emission-Norm Genset: The circular also refers to shifting to gensets meeting emission norms under GSR 804(E) dated 3 November 2022.

For an older generator nearing the end of its useful life, replacing the equipment may therefore need to be considered alongside retrofitting.

What Is Required for DG Sets Above 800 kW?

DG sets above 800 kW are dealt with separately under the KSPCB requirements. For this category, KSPCB refers to the adoption of a suitable Air Pollution Control Device (APCD), subject to compliance with the applicable emission standard referred to in GSR 489(E), dated 09.02.2002, as stated in the circular.

The requirement for these high-capacity DG sets is different from the RECD requirement applicable to DG sets in the 61–800 kW range. Businesses should not assume that the same RECD requirement applies to both categories.

For establishments operating DG sets above 800 kW, the pollution-control system should be assessed based on the applicable capacity and emission requirements before installation. The first question should therefore be:

What pollution-control system applies to this capacity?

Not:

Which RECD should we buy?

How Does RECD Compliance Connect with KSPCB CFE and CFO?

This is one of the most commercially relevant parts of the circular.

1. Consent for Establishment (CFE) generally deals with environmental permission at the establishment or expansion stage.

2. Consent for Operation (CFO) relates to operating the facility subject to Pollution Control Board conditions.

KSPCB states that while issuing CFE or CFO, whether fresh or renewed, the Board is stipulating a condition concerning diesel generator sets above 125 kVA.

The condition refers to fitting such DG sets with a retrofitting emission control device having a minimum specified PM capture efficiency of at least 70%, with reference to the Board's Addendum Notification No. 1073 dated 12 June 2024.

For an existing industry, this means the circular should not be read separately from its consent order.

A practical review should cover:

• Current CFE/CFO 
• DG-set capacity mentioned in the consent 
• Conditions attached to DG operation 
• Whether an RECD condition has already been imposed 
• Whether an additional pollution source requires prior Board permission 

Businesses unsure about these conditions may need support from a KSPCB CFE CFO Consultant or an experienced environmental compliance team.

Why the 125 kVA Condition Should Not Be Confused with 61-800 kW

The circular contains several numbers, but they do different jobs.

This is one of the areas where a blanket interpretation can go wrong. The 125 kVA reference appears in the consent-condition context, while the 61–800 kW range appears in the technical retrofitting provision. KSPCB's circular reproduces both requirements, but it does not expressly merge them into a single threshold test.

For this reason, businesses should not rely on either threshold in isolation. They should review the circular along with the conditions specified in their actual consent before deciding which requirement applies to their DG set.

CPCB-Certified RECD Manufacturers: What Should Be Checked?

KSPCB refers to the revised CPCB list of manufacturers certified for Retrofit Emission Control Devices applicable to diesel genset engines.

This makes certification verification an important procurement step. Before finalising a vendor, businesses should check:

• Manufacturer Status: Confirm that the manufacturer appears within the relevant CPCB certification framework.
• Product Capacity: A certified product may be approved only for particular DG-set capacities or engine categories.
• Technical Compatibility: The device must suit the generator on which it will actually be installed.
• Certification Documents: Businesses should retain the relevant certification and product details instead of depending only on a commercial quotation.

A DG Set Emission Compliance Consultant can be useful where procurement, engineering and Pollution Control Board conditions need to be reviewed together.

CPCB-Certified RECD Range of 19 kW to 800 kW

The circular states that the revised CPCB-certified product range extends from 19 kW to 800 kW for CPCB Stage 1 and Stage 2 engines. 

This should be read carefully.

The 19 kW figure relates to the certified-product range referred to by KSPCB. It does not automatically mean that every DG set from 19 kW onward falls under the same mandatory retrofit clause.

That distinction should be made clear in internal compliance notes as well as vendor discussions.

What Records Should Businesses Keep?

The circular discusses compliance reporting but does not set out a detailed statutory document checklist.

Still, a business dealing with RECD compliance should maintain enough evidence to show what equipment it has, what rule it assessed and what action it took.

Basic DG Set Records

Maintain:

• DG-set make and model 
• Rated capacity 
• kW/kVA details 
• Serial number 
• Manufacturing date 
• Engine category 
• Operating-hour reading 

RECD Records

Where an RECD is installed, retain:

• Purchase invoice 
• Product specifications 
• Manufacturer details 
• Applicable certification documents 
• Installation report 
• Installation photographs 
• Maintenance records 

Environmental Compliance Records

Keep together:

• CFE 
• CFO 
• Renewal orders 
• KSPCB letters or notices 
• Compliance submissions 
• Acknowledgements 
• Relevant technical correspondence 

These records are sensible internal compliance controls. They should not be presented as a separate statutory list unless KSPCB specifically requires them in a particular case.

How Will KSPCB Track Compliance?

The circular does more than tell industries what to do. It also gives instructions to KSPCB's own officers. The Board has directed its CEOs, SEOs, ZSEOs and ROs to impose the relevant condition in CFE/CFO and ensure compliance. The circular further says that ZSEOs should compile statistics and submit monthly reports to the Infrastructure & Lake Development Cell. 

For businesses, the practical meaning is that RECD compliance is being brought into routine regulatory monitoring.

This does not mean that every DG-set operator will automatically face a physical inspection every month. The circular does not say that.

KSPCB Will Review RECD Progress Every Three Months

KSPCB has decided that progress on the matter will be reviewed once in three months. The circular also connects this review with the Hon'ble Chief Minister's 100 Days Mission programme. 

This makes the compliance issue more immediate for businesses that:

• Already received a notice, 
• Have an RECD condition in CFE/CFO, 
• Operate older covered DG sets, or 
• Have not yet checked whether their equipment falls within the requirement. 

Waiting for another individual reminder may therefore not be a sensible compliance strategy.

How Will the Circular Affect Industries in Karnataka?

The impact will differ by business type.

1. Manufacturing Units: Manufacturing plants may operate several generators of different capacities and ages. A single factory can therefore have:

• One DG set requiring an RECD assessment, 
• Another nearing the end of its useful life, and 
• A larger generator requiring a different APCD approach. 

Each generator should be reviewed separately.

2. MSMEs: For MSMEs, the main concern is likely to be cost versus remaining equipment life. Retrofitting an older DG set may involve:

• Device cost 
• Installation expense 
• Exhaust modification 
• Maintenance 
• Downtime

The circular does not prescribe a standard RECD price.

For this reason, applicability should be confirmed before expenditure is committed.

3. Commercial Buildings and Institutions: Commercial buildings, utilities and other establishments covered under the KSPCB framework should check whether standby generators are included in existing environmental consent conditions.

4. Infrastructure Projects: Projects, airports and railway stations are among the categories referred to in the earlier KSPCB directions.

Organisations with multiple locations may need a site-wise DG-set register to avoid treating all generators as one compliance case.

What Does RECD Retrofitting Cost?

There is no standard RECD installation price prescribed in the KSPCB circular. The actual expenditure can depend on:

• DG-set capacity 
• Engine make and configuration 
• Certified RECD model 
• Existing exhaust arrangement 
• Site layout 
• Installation complexity 
• Fabrication work 
• Maintenance requirement 
• Remaining DG-set life 
• Operating pattern 

For an older generator, businesses may also need to compare the cost of retrofitting with the cost and practical value of moving to a newer compliant genset.

That decision should be technical as well as commercial.

Common Compliance Risks Businesses Should Avoid

A few mistakes can make an otherwise straightforward compliance exercise more difficult.

• Confusing kW with kVA: The circular uses both units. Do not convert or equate them casually.
• Buying before Checking Applicability: An RECD purchase should follow a regulatory and technical check, not come before it.
• Ignoring DG-Set Age: The five-year condition is relevant to the main 61-800 kW provision.
• Ignoring Operating Hours: A generator may reach the useful-life limit through operating hours before it reaches 15 years.
• Treating 19 kW as a Universal Mandatory Threshold: The 19 kW number appears in relation to CPCB-certified product coverage.
• Applying the RECD Rule to DG Sets above 800 kW Without Review: The circular contains a separate APCD provision for this category.
• Ignoring Existing Consent Conditions: The above-125-kVA requirement may already appear in CFE/CFO.
• Relying Only on Vendor Claims: A quotation stating “CPCB approved” should not replace verification of the actual certification.
• Poor Record Keeping: If compliance is reviewed later, a business should be able to show what equipment was installed and why.

Is Mandatory RECD Retrofitting a Right Decision or an Additional Burden?

There are valid arguments on both sides.

From a pollution-control point of view, asking older DG sets to control particulate emissions has a clear purpose.

For industry, however, the burden depends on how old the generator is, how much longer it can remain in use and what retrofit solution is technically suitable.

The better approach is therefore not to argue that every retrofit is either “good” or “bad”. The practical question is whether the correct requirement has been applied to the correct generator.

What Should DG Set Operators in Karnataka Do Now?

Businesses can start with a simple internal review.

Step 1: Prepare a DG Set Inventory: For every generator, record:

• Location 
• Capacity 
• kW/kVA rating 
• Make and model 
• Manufacturing date 
• Engine stage 
• Operating hours 
• Existing pollution-control equipment 

Step 2: Identify the Applicable Capacity Provision: Check whether the DG set falls under:

• 61-800 kW, 
• Above 800 kW, 
• The above-125-kVA consent condition, or 
• Another applicable category. 

Step 3: Read the CFE/CFO: 

• Do not rely only on the general circular.
• Check the actual consent issued to the unit.

Step 4: Verify the RECD before Procurement: Review:

• CPCB certification 
• Manufacturer status 
• Product capacity 
• Engine compatibility 
• PM capture requirement 

Step 5: Examine the Available Compliance Route: Depending on the generator, this may involve:

• Certified RECD 
• Dual-fuel arrangement 
• Newer compliant genset 
• Suitable APCD 

Step 6: Complete the Applicable Work: Where a requirement applies, complete the technical action and keep supporting records.

Step 7: Check Reporting Obligations: Review any KSPCB notice, letter or consent condition for compliance-submission requirements.

DG Set RECD Compliance Checklist

Use the following checklist to review the key DG-set details and documents before confirming RECD compliance:

This checklist is meant for internal review. It is not an official KSPCB form.

How Corpseed Can Help with KSPCB RECD and DG Set Compliance

The difficult part of RECD compliance is usually not finding an equipment supplier. It is deciding which requirement applies and whether the proposed solution matches both the DG set and the Pollution Control Board condition.

As a KSPCB Compliance Consultant in Karnataka, Corpseed can support industries and establishments at the compliance-assessment and documentation stage.

1. DG Set and RECD Applicability Assessment: Corpseed can review:

• DG-set capacity 
• Manufacturing year 
• Operating hours 
• Current emission-control arrangement 
• Applicable KSPCB threshold 
• Relevant CFE/CFO condition 

This helps businesses establish whether an RECD requirement, APCD requirement or another route needs to be examined.

2. KSPCB Regulatory Compliance Review: Corpseed can assist in reading the current circular together with relevant earlier KSPCB directions and the conditions applicable to the unit.

This is useful where multiple circulars or consent conditions refer to the same DG set.

3. CFE and CFO Compliance Support: As part of KSPCB CFE CFO Consultant services, Corpseed can assist businesses with:

• Review of existing CFE/CFO conditions 
• DG-set-related consent requirements 
• Pollution-control conditions 
• Renewal-related compliance documentation 
• Regulatory submissions, where applicable 

4. RECD Certification Review: Corpseed can support businesses in checking whether the proposed RECD and manufacturer align with the relevant official CPCB certification information. The review can cover:

• Manufacturer status
• Product range
• Capacity compatibility
• Certification records
• Technical documents

5. DG Set Emission Compliance Assessment: Through DG Set Emission Compliance Consultant support, the business can examine the generator as a complete compliance case rather than looking only at the RECD.

That includes capacity, age, engine standard, operating life and consent conditions.

6. Environmental Compliance Gap Assessment: A gap review can identify issues such as:

• Missing DG-set details
• Unclear capacity classification
• Missing certification records
• Unreviewed consent conditions
• Incomplete installation evidence
• Pending regulatory correspondence

7. Pollution Control Board Consent Assistance: Corpseed's Environmental Compliance Services in Karnataka can also support businesses dealing with wider Pollution Control Board requirements linked to their industrial operations.

This may include CFE, CFO and related environmental consent work where applicable.

8. Ongoing Compliance Support: Businesses with several plants, projects or DG sets may need continuing assistance with:

• Regulatory tracking 
• Consent-condition review 
• Documentation 
• Compliance-record readiness 
• Environmental regulatory support 

Businesses should first check what the KSPCB circular requires for their DG set before choosing an emission-control device. Corpseed can help with this assessment, along with CFE/CFO and other environmental compliance requirements.

Key Takeaways

KSPCB's 19 August 2026 circular puts renewed attention on compliance with DG-set emission-control requirements in Karnataka.

The main points businesses should keep in mind are:

• The main retrofit provision discusses in-use DG sets from 61 kW to 800 kW. 
• The relevant age condition refers to generators older than five years. 
• Useful life is stated as 15 years or 50,000 operating hours, whichever is earlier. 
• The relevant RECD condition refers to at least 70% particulate-matter capture efficiency. 
• DG sets above 800 kW are dealt with separately through an APCD requirement. 
• KSPCB's CFE/CFO condition separately refers to DG sets above 125 kVA. 
• The CPCB-certified product range referred to in the circular runs from 19 kW to 800 kW for the stated Stage 1 and Stage 2 categories. 
• KSPCB plans to review implementation progress once every three months. 
• Businesses should check the generator, the consent and the certification before purchasing an RECD.