Bengaluru among top 5 districts in India for diesel generator pollution

Bengaluru Urban has emerged among the top five districts in India with the highest emissions from diesel generator (DG) sets, according to a study released at the India Clean Air Summit 2025. The analysis, conducted by the Bengaluru-based think tank Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), highlights the growing threat of air pollution linked to backup power sources.

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The study, Switch on, Smoke off: Reducing Emissions from Diesel Generator Sets, identifies Bengaluru Urban alongside Patna in Bihar, Mumbai in Maharashtra, Gautam Buddha Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal as districts facing the most severe impact. These regions report alarming levels of PM2.5 emissions, one of the most harmful pollutants.

What are PM2.5 emissions?

PM2.5 refers to fine particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Exposure is linked to severe health risks, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory conditions.

The report estimates that India operated more than 14.7 lakh DG sets in 2022. Older, poorly maintained units were found to release emissions beyond legal thresholds, particularly in power-deficient urban centres. Projections suggest DG usage could rise nearly nine per cent annually until 2030, further intensifying the pollution burden.

The study recommends measures such as adopting solar systems, transitioning to gas-based generators, upgrading to compliant CPCB IV models, and retrofitting existing sets with emission controls. It also calls for a national scrappage policy and financial incentives to promote cleaner alternatives in cities like Bengaluru.