In News
- Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the MOEFCC has set a new target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentration in cities by 2026.
About
- The target was updated due to an overall improvement in PM10 levels in 2021.
- 20 cities have met the national standards for annual average PM10 concentration (60 microgram per cubic metre).
- 95 of the 131 non-attainment cities (NACs) covered under the NCAP have witnessed an “overall improvement” in PM10 levels in 2021 as compared to 2017 levels.
- NACs are cities whose air quality did not meet the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) of 2011 to 2015.
- PRANA (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in non-Attainment cities) portal monitors the implementation of NCAP.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- About:
- It was launched by the MoEFCC in 2019 as a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy that features:
- Making determined efforts to deal with the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner.
- Achieving 20%- 30% reduction target in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024 where 2017 is kept as the base year for the comparison of concentration.
- Identification of 122 non-attainment cities across the country based on the 2014-2018 Air Quality data.
- Non- Attainment Cities are the cities which do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
- Establishing a right mix with the existing policies and programmes which include the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and other government initiatives related to climate change.
- Setting up of certification agencies for monitoring equipment, source apportionment studies, emphasis on enforcement, specific sectoral interventions etc.
- It was launched by the MoEFCC in 2019 as a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy that features:
- Objective of NCAP:
- To augment and evolve effective and proficient ambient air quality monitoring networks across the country.
- To have efficient data dissemination and public outreach mechanisms for timely measures for prevention and mitigation of air pollution.
- To have a feasible management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
Other Efforts to Prevent Air Pollution
- Commission for Air Quality Management:
- The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas, 2020 — with a provision for a fine of Rs 1 crore and/or jail for 5 years for those violating air pollution norms.
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
- A Household LPG program and other schemes have helped to dramatically expand access to clean energy, especially for rural households.
Steps Needed to Preserve Clean Air
- Implement afforestation.
- Say no to plastic use.
- Turn off the lights when not in use.
- Use public transport.
- Recycle and reuse.
- Avoid burning crackers.
Way Ahead
- For successful implementation of the action plan, there is an urgent need for cooperation and coordination among state agencies and technical supervision by expert Institutions.
Source: TH
