Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Study: Patna, Bengaluru, Mumbai Top Diesel Generator Polluters
A recent study found that diesel generators in cities like Patna, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are big sources of air pollution.
These generators release tiny harmful particles called PM2.5, along with other pollutants.
Researchers looked at a lot of these generators used in India and found they cause a lot of pollution.
They suggest replacing them with cleaner options like solar or gas power.
They also say that old, poorly maintained generators are the worst polluters and should be fixed or replaced.
This is important because cleaner air helps people stay healthy.
Study identifies Patna, Noida, Bengaluru, and Mumbai as cities with the highest PM2.5 emissions from diesel generators.
Over 14.7 lakh diesel generator (DG) sets were used across India in 2022, contributing to significant air pollution.
DG sets emitted 42 Gg of PM2.5, 23 Gg of black carbon, and 877 Gg of nitrogen oxides.
Older and poorly maintained DG sets often violate pollution norms, becoming 'super-emitters'.
The study recommends cleaner alternatives like solar and gas-based generators to reduce pollution.
- Who
- A study by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP).
- What
- Study reveals high PM2.5 emissions from diesel generators in multiple Indian cities.
- When
- The study was released on Wednesday, August 20.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Mumbai, Patna, Noida, and West Bengal's North 24 Parganas, among other Indian cities.
- Why
- To highlight the impact of DG sets on air pollution and suggest cleaner alternatives.
Challenges in implementing cleaner DG set alternatives
Cleaner alternatives vs. current practices
Alternative sources
Challenges in implementing cleaner DG set alternatives
Solar-based DG sets face challenges such as high costs, land requirements, and reliability concerns.
Cleaner alternatives vs. current practices
Gas-based generators offer a cleaner alternative.
- Study Title
- 'Switch on, Smoke off: Reducing Emissions from Diesel Generator Sets'
- DG sets in India (2022)
- 14.7 lakh
- PM2.5 emissions (2022)
- 42 Gg
- Black carbon emissions (2022)
- 23 Gg
- NOx emissions (2022)
- 877 Gg
