National Clean Air Programme

Table of Contents☰

About National Clean Air Programme:

It was launched in January, 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
It is a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner.
Objectives:
- Stringently implementing mitigation measures to prevent, control, and abate air pollution.
- Strengthening an air quality monitoring network across the country.
- Increasing public awareness and capacity building measures.
Target
- NCAP envisages reduction by 20-30% in PM 10 concentration over baseline in 2017 by 2024.
- Target has been revised to achieve reduction in PM10 level up to 40% or achievement of national standards (60 µg/m3) by 2025-26.
Implementation
- In accordance with the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will execute this nationwide program.
- 131 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country for the implementation of the programme.
- City-specific action plans have been developed, which include measures to strengthen the monitoring network, reduce vehicular or industrial emissions, raise public awareness, etc.
- The implementation of city-specific action plans is regularly monitored by Central and State Committees, namely the Steering Committee, Monitoring Committee and Implementation Committee.
- State Pollution Control Boards monitor city air quality and publish their findings on a regular basis.

Q1: What is the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Source: ‘Need more focus on PM2.5’: Study says dust mitigation draining clean air scheme funds