Subject: Environment & Ecology

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) represents India's first comprehensive national-level strategy to address the pressing challenge of air pollution through a time-bound approach.

Key Features and Implementation Strategy

1. Targets and Timeline:

• Aims to achieve 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024 from 2017 levels.
• Target revised to 40% reduction in PM10 by 2025-26.
• Currently, Indian cities have shown an average 27% reduction in PM2.5 pollution from 2019 to 2024.

2. Monitoring Infrastructure:

• Established 1,524 air quality monitoring stations across 28 states and 7 UTs.
• Comprises 558 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) and 966 manual stations.
• Notable achievement: Varanasi recorded 76% reduction in air pollution levels.

3. Financial Framework:

• Total allocation of ₹19,711 crore from FY 19-20 to FY 25-26.
• ₹11,211 crore released and ₹7,594 crore utilized by 2025.
• Special focus on 48 million-plus cities with allocation of ₹16,539 crore.

4. Technical Measures:

• Implementation of zig-zag technology in brick kilns.
• Promotion of battery-operated vehicles.
• Retrofitting of diesel vehicles with particulate filters.
• Installation of dust suppressant systems and mechanical sweepers.

5. Institutional Framework:

• City-specific action plans for 131 non-attainment cities.
• Source apportionment studies for pollution identification.
• Capacity building programs for stakeholders.
• Integration with Smart Cities Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

India's commitment to cleaner air is evident through the NCAP's comprehensive approach, though challenges remain with cities like Delhi and Byrnihat still experiencing high pollution levels. The program's success in cities like Varanasi demonstrates the potential for significant improvement through coordinated action and sustained implementation.