Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: The Sikkim Pollution Control Board has introduced a mandatory requirement for all generator sets older than 15 years to be retrofitted with emission control devices. This directive applies to any equipment with a capacity of 15 KVA or higher and is now a prerequisite for renewing consent to operate permissions across the state.
The Forest and Environment Department issued the order to ensure all existing hardware aligns with the guidelines established by the Central Pollution Control Board. This regulatory shift follows recommendations from the National Green Tribunal, which urged authorities to integrate generator emissions into broader air quality action plans.
Officials emphasized the ecological vulnerability of Sikkim as a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. The board noted that aging generator sets significantly degrade local air quality and cannot continue to function without meeting modern emission standards.
Operators currently using such units without valid clearances have been ordered to cease operations immediately. However, the state may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis if owners successfully retrofit their equipment to comply with environmental regulations.
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