What happened: CAQM Direction No. 103 for NCR stone crushing units

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) approved Direction No. 103 for prevention and control of air pollution from stone crushing units in the National Capital Region (NCR). The direction targets fugitive dust emissions by requiring dust mitigation measures to be applied through legally enforceable consent conditions and by enabling continuous remote monitoring for enforcement.

Background and earlier regulatory approach

Air pollution control for stone crushing activities in the NCR is handled through environmental regulation where consent conditions—such as Consent to Operate (CTO) conditions—set required operating controls. Fugitive dust regulation needs site-specific controls because dust generation depends on material handling, crushing operations, and movement of material on the unit premises.

CAQM Direction No. 103 connects dust control to a specific CPCB guidance document: the direction incorporates CPCB Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing Units, 2023 into the CTO conditions of stone crushing units.

What changed now under Direction No. 103