PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPACT OF NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME ON PM2.5 LEVELS

Key Highlights:

• The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in 2019, targeting 130 cities across India.
• An incentive grant of ₹ 16423.56 crore has been released under NCAP from FY 2019-20 to 2025-26 for air pollution mitigation.
• By 2025-26, 108 cities recorded reductions in annual PM10 concentrations compared to 2017-18.
• 65 cities met the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM2.5 levels (≤ 40 µg/m³) in 2025-26.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established for Delhi-NCR under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.

Detailed Insights:

• Air pollution is a complex issue resulting from multiple anthropogenic factors like vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning.
• The Government of India has notified NAAQS for 12 air pollutants, including PM10 and PM2.5, to safeguard public health.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) was launched in 2015 to provide easily understandable air quality information and associated health implications.
• NCAP is a multi-sectoral initiative involving coordinated efforts from Central and State Governments, and Urban Local Bodies.
• It focuses on source-specific mitigation measures through city, state, and national-level clean air action plans.
• 14 cities met the NAAQS for PM10 (≤ 60 µg/m³) in FY 2025-26, an increase from six cities in 2017-18.
• Specific PM2.5 levels in 2025-26 for Pune, Hyderabad, Surat, Delhi, and Mumbai were 41, 34, 32, 102, and 33 µg/m³ respectively.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A national-level strategy launched in 2019 to tackle air pollution across 130 non-attainment cities.
• National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): Standards set by the government for various air pollutants to protect public health and the environment.
• Air Quality Index (AQI): A tool launched in 2015 to communicate air quality status to the public in a simple, understandable manner.
• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): A statutory body established for better coordination and resolution of air pollution issues in Delhi-NCR.