Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India faces a severe air pollution crisis, contributing significantly to health issues and economic losses. According to the World Air Quality Report 2023, India is home to some of the most polluted cities globally. Recognizing the urgency, the Government of India launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019, as a five-year plan with the objective to comprehensively revamp the national effort on air pollution control. The NCAP aims to achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in identified non-attainment cities by 2024, with 2017 as the base year.
Key Features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
The NCAP is a multi-pronged, time-bound national strategy to tackle air pollution. Its key features are outlined below:
1. Coverage and Identification of Cities
- The NCAP initially focused on 102 non-attainment cities (NACs) – cities that consistently do not meet the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS).
- These cities were selected based on the severity of pollution and data availability.
- In 2022, the number of cities covered under NCAP was expanded to 131.
2. Objectives
- Primary Objective: To achieve a 20%-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in the identified cities by 2024, taking 2017 as the base year.
- Secondary Objectives: Improve air quality monitoring, enhance public awareness, and promote cleaner fuel and technologies.
3. Strategies and Action Points
The NCAP outlines a set of strategies to address air pollution from various sources:
- Industrial Emissions: Strengthening implementation of emission standards, promoting cleaner fuels (like LNG and PNG), and encouraging adoption of Best Available Technologies (BAT).
- Vehicle Emissions: Promoting electric vehicles (EVs), improving fuel efficiency standards, strengthening public transport, and implementing stricter vehicle inspection and maintenance programs.
- Construction Activities: Regulating construction dust through proper site management, covering construction materials, and using dust suppression techniques.
- Waste Management: Improving waste collection, segregation, and processing to reduce burning of waste.
- Agricultural Practices: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce stubble burning.
- Air Quality Monitoring: Expanding the air quality monitoring network, improving data accuracy, and making real-time data publicly available.
4. Funding and Implementation
- The NCAP is a centrally sponsored scheme with a budgetary allocation of approximately ₹628 crore for the period 2018-2026.
- Funding is shared between the central and state governments.
- Implementation is carried out by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) with support from relevant central ministries.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
- The NCAP has a robust monitoring and evaluation framework.
- Regular monitoring of air quality data is conducted through Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS).
- Progress is assessed based on the achievement of reduction targets for PM2.5 and PM10.
- Independent evaluations are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the program.
6. Institutional Mechanisms
- Steering Committee: Headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), provides overall guidance and direction.
- Monitoring Committee: Monitors the progress of implementation and provides recommendations.
- City-Level Committees: Responsible for implementing the NCAP at the city level.
Conclusion
The National Clean Air Programme represents a significant step towards addressing India’s air pollution crisis. While the program has made some progress in raising awareness and strengthening monitoring, achieving the ambitious reduction targets requires sustained efforts, increased funding, and effective coordination between central and state governments. Further strengthening of enforcement mechanisms, promoting public participation, and investing in research and development of cleaner technologies are crucial for the long-term success of the NCAP and ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for all Indians.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.