GRAP in force, but only 10% Faridabad units adopt clean fuels

With the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in force since October 1, only around 10% of Faridabad’s manufacturing units have switched to clean fuels such as PNG (Piped Natural Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). Out of an estimated 25,000 industrial units in the city, approximately 2,500 have successfully adopted clean energy sources, leaving the vast majority yet to comply.

Although industrial and commercial units are prohibited from using diesel-powered generators during the GRAP phase, all units are required to switch to clean fuels during power outages, as per a notification by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). While welcomed in light of worsening air quality, several factors — such as fuel availability, cost, and the financial burden of transitioning — are slowing down the pace of change, said Ravi Bhushan Khatri of Laghu Udyog Bharti, an association representing small and medium industries.

Khatri pointed out that many units are located in non-conforming areas with no PNG supply infrastructure. Moreover, switching to dual-fuel generator sets or CPCB Norms-IV-compliant gensets is a costly endeavour, with prices ranging between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. “The CPCB Norms-IV genset is designed to significantly reduce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide, and particulate matter emitted by traditional diesel gensets,” he added.

Rajiv Chawla, president of the Integrated Association of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (IAMSME), echoed similar concerns, highlighting that the cost and availability of clean energy remain major obstacles. “While allowing CPCB Norms-IV diesel gensets has provided some relief, the government should consider offering subsidies to encourage the adoption of this new technology,” Chawla suggested. He further emphasised that industries using polluting fuels such as coal and diesel oils are contributing to the decline in air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its surrounding areas.

Sandeep Singh, Regional Officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, affirmed that the GRAP will be implemented strictly according to the norms. GRAP is imposed every year between October and February to curb air pollution as air quality levels often dip into the “very poor” and “hazardous” categories during this period, he added.