Businesses across Delhi-NCR often depend on diesel generator sets as backup power sources. Offices, commercial buildings, hospitals, industries, residential complexes, telecom facilities and other establishments may require DG sets when grid power is unavailable or unreliable.
However, during periods of deteriorating air quality, businesses operating in the National Capital Region may face additional restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These measures are designed to reduce pollution when air quality reaches specified levels.
For businesses that rely on DG sets, understanding GRAP restrictions in advance is important for maintaining operational continuity while meeting applicable environmental requirements.
A detailed discussion of this subject is available in Aceget's article, How GRAP Restrictions Affect Businesses Using DG Sets.
What Is GRAP?
The Graded Response Action Plan is an emergency response framework for Delhi-NCR. It introduces progressively stronger pollution-control measures as air quality deteriorates.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) publishes and updates the applicable GRAP schedule and issues orders when particular stages are invoked or revoked.
Businesses should therefore avoid relying only on older information. The applicable restrictions can change as CAQM revises the GRAP schedule.
The official CAQM website provides the latest GRAP schedules, implementation orders and directions for Delhi-NCR.
Why DG Sets Are Important Under GRAP
Diesel generator sets are specifically relevant to air-quality management because their operation produces exhaust emissions.
During periods of poor air quality, unrestricted operation of diesel-powered generators can add to the overall pollution burden. Consequently, GRAP provisions and related CAQM directions can place conditions on the operation of DG sets.
The exact requirements depend on factors such as the DG-set capacity, fuel/system configuration, applicable stage and sector.
CAQM's DG-set directions have historically included requirements involving dual-fuel operation, emission-control devices and regulated operating hours for certain categories.
How Restrictions Can Affect Businesses
GRAP-related restrictions can have a practical impact on businesses in several ways.
1. Backup-Power Planning Becomes More Important
A business that normally depends heavily on diesel generators cannot assume that the DG set will always be available for unrestricted operation during severe pollution episodes.
Facilities may therefore need to review their primary power supply, UPS systems, battery backup and other contingency arrangements.
2. DG-Set Compliance Needs Advance Attention
Waiting until GRAP restrictions are imposed can create unnecessary operational pressure.
Businesses should identify the applicable requirements for their DG sets beforehand and maintain relevant documentation, maintenance records and testing information.
3. Emission-Control Technology May Become Important
Depending on the applicable regulatory framework and DG-set category, businesses may need suitable emission-control arrangements.
CAQM directions have included provisions for retro-fitted emission-control devices (ECDs) and dual-fuel systems for specified DG-set categories.
This is where businesses operating eligible diesel generator sets may need to evaluate retrofit emission-control solutions such as RECD systems through appropriate certified channels.
4. Operating Costs Can Change
Restrictions may require businesses to modify how they use backup power.
For example, a facility may need to rely more heavily on grid power, alternative energy sources, battery systems or compliant generator configurations. This can influence fuel consumption, maintenance planning and overall operating costs.
DG-Set Capacity Matters
One of the most important points for businesses is that DG-set requirements are not necessarily identical across all capacities.
CAQM's directions have historically provided different requirements for categories such as smaller DG sets, DG sets in intermediate capacity ranges and larger generating sets. Some provisions have also distinguished between systems using cleaner fuels, dual-fuel operation and emission-control devices.
Therefore, businesses should not assume that a requirement applicable to one DG-set capacity automatically applies to another.
The applicable CAQM direction and the latest GRAP schedule should always be checked before making operational decisions.
Why Businesses Should Monitor CAQM Updates
GRAP is not a permanent single-stage restriction. Different stages can be invoked or revoked depending on air-quality conditions.
CAQM's current website records multiple implementation and revocation orders during 2026, demonstrating why businesses need to monitor official updates rather than relying on an old article, social-media post or previous year's restriction.
A facility manager can regularly monitor:
Current GRAP stage
AQI conditions
CAQM implementation orders
DG-set operating requirements
Applicable emission-control requirements
Emergency exemptions, where applicable
Sector-specific directions
How RECD Can Fit Into DG-Set Planning
For businesses using diesel generators, emission-control planning should ideally begin before a pollution episode occurs.
A Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) can be considered as part of an emission-control strategy for applicable diesel generator installations.
However, selecting an emission-control system should not be based only on the generator's rated capacity. Businesses should also consider engine condition, exhaust configuration, operating load, installation space, backpressure requirements, testing arrangements and applicable regulatory requirements.
Proper installation and maintenance are equally important because an emission-control device needs to work with the generator and exhaust system under the intended operating conditions.
A Practical Checklist for Businesses
Businesses operating DG sets in Delhi-NCR can take several preparatory steps:
Check the applicable DG-set category: Record the generator's capacity, fuel type, engine details and installation location.
Review current CAQM requirements: Use the latest official directions instead of relying on outdated GRAP information.
Maintain the generator properly: Regular servicing and appropriate engine maintenance can support reliable operation.
Evaluate emission-control requirements: Where applicable, assess whether an emission-control system or other permitted configuration is required.
Keep documentation ready: Maintain test reports, maintenance records, equipment details and other relevant documents.
Plan alternative power sources: UPS systems, battery storage, grid-power optimisation and other backup arrangements can reduce dependence on diesel generation.
Train facility staff: Operators should understand when and how DG sets can be operated under applicable restrictions.
Official Resources for Businesses
Because GRAP requirements can change, businesses should use official regulatory sources for current information.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the primary source for GRAP schedules, implementation orders and directions applicable to Delhi-NCR.
Businesses can also refer to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for air-quality monitoring information and broader pollution-control resources.
For government notifications and environmental regulations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is another useful official resource.
Conclusion
GRAP restrictions can have a direct impact on businesses that depend on diesel generator sets for backup power. The effect may include changes in generator operating conditions, additional compliance requirements, greater dependence on alternative power sources and the need for appropriate emission-control systems.
The most effective approach is preparation rather than reacting after restrictions are introduced.
Businesses should monitor CAQM notifications, understand the requirements applicable to their DG-set capacity and configuration, maintain equipment properly and evaluate suitable emission-control solutions where required.