National Clean Air Programme : New Study
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).
- National Clean Air Programme 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.
- 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.
- 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.
