A recent study conducted by Climate Trends and Respirer Living Sciences reveals that most cities in India are far from meeting the clean air targets set by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). This alarming finding emphasises the pressing need for effective strategies to combat the increasing threat of air pollution.
Analysis of Varied Progress in Clean Air Targets
The study shows mixed results in terms of progress towards achieving clean air targets. While some cities demonstrated significant reductions in PM2.5 levels, others reported marginal declines or even increased pollution levels. Out of 49 cities with consistent PM2.5 data over five years, only 27 showed a decline in PM2.5 levels. Only four cities met or surpassed the targeted decline as per NCAP Goals.
For instance, Varanasi exhibited a substantial reduction with an average decrease of 72% in PM2.5 levels and a 69% reduction in PM10 levels from 2019 to 2023. But Delhi, on the other hand, reported only a 5.9% decline in PM2.5 levels.
The Problem of Regional Vulnerabilities
Regional disparities illustrate another stark aspect of the air pollution scenario in India. The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), for instance, hosts around 18 of the top 20 most polluted cities for PM2.5. Only Guwahati and Rourkela, located outside the IGP, made it to the list of 20 most polluted cities for PM2.5.
Monitoring Challenges and Factors Impacting Pollution
A significant challenge in controlling air pollution is the lack of continuous ambient air quality monitors. While cities such as Mumbai and Delhi have several monitoring stations, most Indian cities only have a handful. Only four out of 92 cities have more than 10 such stations.
Pollution levels also vary due to factors like geographical locations, diverse emission sources, meteorological influences, and the interplay between emissions and meteorology. These complex dynamics require further investigation for developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
An Overview of the National Clean Air Programme
The NCAP is a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched in January 2019. This programme marks the country’s first-ever national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.
It targets a 40% reduction in average particulate matter concentrations by 2026 in 131 cities. The initiative covers 131 non-attainment cities identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which have consistently failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.
Initiatives for Controlling Air Pollution
Several initiatives have been taken to combat air pollution. These include the implementation of the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal, Air Quality Index, Graded Response Action Plan, push for Electric Vehicles (EVs), and the establishment of a new Commission for Air Quality Management.
Additionally, subsidies are being provided to farmers for purchasing Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) machines to reduce stubble burning, a significant contributor to air pollution. Under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), regular monitoring of four air pollutants — SO2, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 — is being conducted at all locations.
While these efforts reflect the commitment to improve air quality, the task remains challenging as evidenced by the varied progress in air quality improvement across different cities. It underscores the need for sustained and concerted efforts to achieve clean air targets.
