What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

Air pollution is becoming one of the major public health issues worldwide, of which India is no exception. India was ranked the fifth most polluted country by WHO (2019), in which 21 among the top 30 polluted cities were in India. In this backdrop, the government launched NCAP in 2019, a five-year national action plan for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.

Key Features:

1. Goal: To achieve 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024, keeping 2017 as the base year.

2. 102 non-attainment cities have been identified based on ambient air quality data for the period 2011-2015.

3. The city-specific action plans have been prepared and approved for ground implementation for these cities.

4. Implementation of such plans to be regularly monitored by Committees at Central and State level.

5. Increasing number of monitoring stations in the country including rural monitoring stations, technology support.

6. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will execute the programme.

7. Setting up of certification agencies for monitoring equipment, source apportionment studies, emphasis on enforcement, specific sectoral interventions etc.

But for making the programme a success, there is a need to focus on:

1. Eco-friendly public transport systems like CNG, E-vehicles, hydrogen fuel, etc.

2. Abolishing open waste burning and conversion of Waste to Energy.

3. Maintenance of 33% forest cover, creation of green buffers, parks etc.

4. Raising public awareness and public participation in the issue.

The successful implementation of the action plan will not only help India provide its citizens Right to Clean Air, as recognised by SC under Article 21 of the constitution, but also help achieve its SDG target in a time bound manner.