Only 14% NCAP funds so far used by Delhi, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Delhi has utilized only 14% (Rs 14.1 crore) of the Rs 99.77 crore allocated under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) since 2019.
• Neighboring NCR cities like Ghaziabad and Meerut have spent over 80% of their NCAP funds.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 allocates Rs 1,091 crore under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s “Control of Pollution” scheme.
• NCAP, launched in January 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter pollution in 130 cities by up to 40% by 2025-26.

Detailed Insights:

• The NCAP is the central framework to improve air quality with city-specific targets for reducing PM10 levels.
• Funds for NCAP are released based on performance, with million-plus cities receiving grants through the Finance Commission.
• The “Control of Pollution” scheme supports pollution control across air, water, and noise and NCAP is a sub-component of this scheme.
• A Parliamentary Committee flagged concerns over the utilization of funds under the “Control of Pollution” scheme, with only Rs 7.22 crore spent until January 31, 2025, against a Revised Estimate of Rs 858 crore for 2024-25.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management has been allocated Rs 35.26 crore for 2026-27 for administrative and coordination functions.
• The Environment Protection Charge (EPC), applicable to diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR, is a distinct funding stream for air pollution control, managed by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NCAP (National Clean Air Programme): A central scheme to improve air quality in 130 cities by reducing particulate matter pollution.
• PM10: Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, a major air pollutant.
• Environment Protection Charge (EPC): A charge on diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR used for air quality management.