National Clean Air Programme

July 21, 2024

A new study by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said that road dust mitigation works undertaken to reduce particulate matter 10 (PM10) pollution is draining a lion’s share — 64% — of funds under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

About National Clean Air Programme:

  • It was launched in January, 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
  • It is a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner.
  • Objectives
    • Stringently implementing mitigation measures to prevent, control, and abate air pollution.
    • Strengthening an air quality monitoring network across the country.
    • Increasing public awareness and capacity building measures. 
  • Target
    • NCAP envisages reduction by 20-30% in PM 10 concentration over baseline in year 2017 by 2024.
    • Target has been revised to achieve reduction in PM10 level up to 40% or achievement of national standards (60 µg/m3) by 2025-26.
  • Implementation
    • In accordance with the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will execute this nationwide program.
    • 131 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country for the implementation of the programme.
    • City-specific action plans have been developed, which include measures to strengthen the monitoring network, reduce vehicular or industrial emissions, raise public awareness, etc.
    • The implementation of city-specific action plans is regularly monitored by Central and State Committees, namely the Steering Committee, Monitoring Committee and Implementation Committee.
    • State Pollution Control Boards monitor city air quality and publish their findings on a regular basis.