In a recent development, the Indian government has updated its goal for reducing particulate matter concentration in cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The new target is a 40% reduction by 2026, an enhancement from the previous objective of a 20 to 30% reduction by 2024.
About National Clean Air Programme
Initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019, the NCAP represents the country’s pioneering endeavor to establish a national framework for air quality management. It intends to achieve a minimum 20% reduction in the concentration of coarse (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) within a span of five years, taking the 2017 levels as the base year for comparison.
The programme includes 132 non-attainment cities, identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), that have not been able to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years. The list of pollutants under NAAQS comprises PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, NH3, Ozone, Lead, Benzene, Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.
Objective of National Clean Air Programme
The key objectives of the NCAP are to develop proficient ambient air quality monitoring networks across India, enhance data dissemination and public outreach mechanisms for air pollution control measures, and devise feasible strategies for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution.
India’s Initiatives for Air Pollution Control
India has introduced several measures to manage air pollution. These include the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal; the Air Quality Index, which covers eight pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia, Lead, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide; and the Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi.
The nation has also introduced policies to reduce vehicular pollution, which include the introduction of BS-VI vehicles, promoting Electric Vehicles (EVs), and implementing an Odd-Even Policy as an emergency measure in Delhi. In addition, a new Commission for Air Quality Management has been established, and subsidies are given to farmers to buy Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Machines to cut down stubble burning.
Under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), SO2, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 have been identified for regular monitoring at all locations.
Past Questions from UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the 2016 Civil Services Preliminary Examinations, aspirants were asked about the gases typically considered for calculating the Air Quality Index in Indian cities. The correct answer was Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, and Sulfur dioxide – not including Carbon dioxide or Methane.
The exam also featured a question about the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2021 and how they differed from the last update in 2005. Aspirants were also asked about the changes required in India’s NCAP to meet these revised standards.
