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Study Ranks Bengaluru Urban Among Top Districts for Diesel Generator PM2.5 Emissions

A CSTEP study released at the India Clean Air Summit 2025 urges cleaner replacements for backup generators to cut health-damaging pollution.

A recent study reveals Bengaluru Urban ranks among India's top five districts for air pollution from diesel generators.

Overview

  • The report estimates 14.7 lakh DG sets over 5 kVA with 272,576 MVA capacity operated in 2022, emitting 42 Gg PM2.5, 23 Gg black carbon and 877 Gg NOx nationwide.
  • Bengaluru Urban is listed among the highest-emitting districts alongside Patna, Mumbai, Gautam Buddha Nagar and North 24 Parganas.
  • By generator size, Bengaluru ranks third in 5–75 kVA, second in 76–375 kVA, third in 376–750 kVA and sixth above 750 kVA.
  • High district emissions are tied to large installed capacities, frequent power cuts and older or poorly maintained “super-emitters” that exceed legal limits.
  • The study recommends solar and gas alternatives, CPCB IV+/IV-compliant models, retrofits, regular emission testing and a scrappage policy with incentives as DG use is projected to grow about 9% annually to 2030.