Summary – India intensifies efforts under the National Clean Air Programme to tackle pollution in 130 major cities, aiming for healthier urban living.,
Article –
India has taken a decisive step to address the worsening air quality in its urban centers by targeting 130 major cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). This initiative aims to curb key sources of pollution, including dust, waste and stubble burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution. The government’s proactive measures come amid concerns over urban air quality, which has direct implications for public health and economic productivity.
Background
The National Clean Air Programme was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2019 as a five-year action plan to reduce particulate matter (PM) concentrations by 20-30% by 2024 relative to 2017 levels. It marks a departure from piecemeal efforts by bringing a coordinated, target-driven approach across states and cities. The programme covers 132 cities, including major metropolitan areas and industrial hubs, where poor air quality imposes a substantial burden on citizens.
In recent years, multiple factors have contributed to deteriorating air quality across Indian cities:
- Stubble burning in northwestern states
- Construction activities generating dust
- Municipal solid waste mismanagement
- Emissions from industries
- Rising number of vehicles
These factors have led to frequent episodes of smog, respiratory ailments, and increased mortality rates.
Key Stakeholders
The following entities play crucial roles in the execution and success of the NCAP:
- Central Government: Through MoEFCC, sets policy framework and provides technical and financial support.
- State Pollution Control Boards: Implement on-ground measures and enforce emission norms.
- Municipal Corporations: Manage local waste and control construction dust.
- Industries: Mandated to adopt cleaner technologies and comply with emission standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- Transport Ministry and Urban Planning Bodies: Promote electric vehicles, improve public transport infrastructure, and regulate vehicular emissions.
- Judiciary: Directs state governments to implement pollution control measures and monitors compliance through periodic reports.
National Impact
Reducing air pollution in urban centers has wide-reaching benefits for:
- Public Health: Can reduce respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lowering healthcare costs and enhancing life quality. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to pollution.
- Environmental Sustainability: Cleaner air promotes healthier ecosystems and urban environments.
- Economic Productivity: Improved workforce productivity due to fewer illnesses and reduced absenteeism, along with increased investment and tourism attraction.
The government recently challenged a global report ranking India as the fifth most polluted nation, citing data discrepancies, but acknowledges the ongoing pollution challenge and emphasizes progress under NCAP.
Expert Views
Environmental experts appreciate the NCAP’s comprehensive and data-driven approach involving city-specific action plans and multi-sector coordination. However, they underscore that success hinges on:
- Consistent monitoring
- Robust enforcement
- Community participation
They recommend increasing investments in air quality monitoring infrastructure, incentivizing pollution control technologies for industries and vehicles, and integrating air quality management into urban planning efforts.
What Lies Ahead
The next few years will be critical for the NCAP’s success. Key focus areas include:
- Strengthening institutional capacities
- Ensuring accountability at state and municipal levels
- Fostering behavioral changes among citizens
- Expanding clean energy, sustainable transport, and waste-to-energy initiatives
- Leveraging technology such as real-time pollution monitoring, data analytics, and artificial intelligence
- Continuing public awareness campaigns to sustain momentum
In conclusion, India’s renewed focus on combating urban air pollution via NCAP offers hope for cleaner, healthier cities. The challenge is formidable but achievable through collaborative efforts involving government entities, industries, civil society, and citizens. Monitoring progress and adapting strategies will be essential to meet the programme’s ambitious targets.
