National Clean Air Programme

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

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