Delhi Among Lowest NCAP Fund Users, Pollution Targets Lag

Why in the news?

Delhi has been highlighted in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) report for under-utilising allocated funds, achieving only 32% expenditure. This underperformance impacts progress toward the NCAP’s 2025 pollution reduction goals amid worsening air quality in NCR.

About the Delhi Lags in NCAP Fund Utilisation:

  • Delhi ranks among the lowest five cities in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) fund usage, utilising only 32% of its allocation, with Faridabad at 39% and Noida at just 11%.
  • The NCAP aims to reduce PM10 pollution by 40% by 2025-26 or achieve National Ambient Air Quality standards.
  • According to the Ministry of Environment’s report to the National Green Tribunal, under-utilisation of funds, incomplete source apportionment studies, and insufficient progress toward NCAP targets hinder effectiveness.

Delhi Among Lowest NCAP Fund Users, Pollution Targets Lag

Top Performers and Pollution Sources:

  • Amritsar, Jhansi, Pune, Jharkhand, and Navi Mumbai topped fund utilisation, with Amritsar achieving a 38% reduction in PM10 since the 2017 baseline year.
  • In contrast, Navi Mumbai saw an 11% increase in PM10 levels.
  • Source apportionment studies identified major pollution contributors: road dust, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities.

Measures and Challenges Under NCAP:

  • NCAP funds were directed at road dust control (anti-smog guns, water sprinklers), paving projects, and green spaces.
  • Despite Delhi’s allocation of Rs 42.69 crore for machines like sweepers and water sprinklers, delays in procurement were noted.
  • Among 19 “non-attainment cities” under NCAP, eight still need source apportionment studies, including several in NCR, to fully assess pollution sources and inform targeted interventions.

About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): 

  • Launch: Initiated by MoEFCC in January 2019.
  • Objective: National framework to manage air quality with specific targets.
  • Goal: Reduce PM10 and5 levels by at least 20% by 2024, using 2017 as the base year.
  • Coverage: Includes 132 non-attainment cities, identified by CPCB.
  • Non-attainment Cities: Cities failing to meet NAAQS for over five years.
  • NAAQS Pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, NH3, Ozone, Lead, Benzene, Benzo-Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.

Key Initiatives to Control Air Pollution in India:

  • SAFAR Portal: Tracks air quality and weather forecasting.
  • Air Quality Index (AQI): Monitors eight pollutants, including 5, PM10, SO2, and CO.
  • Graded Response Action Plan: Implemented in Delhi for pollution control.
  • Reducing Vehicular Pollution: BS-VI vehicles, EV push, and the Odd-Even Policy (Delhi).
  • Commission for Air Quality Management: Oversees air quality in NCR.
  • Farmer Subsidies: For Turbo Happy Seeder machines to reduce stubble burning.
  • National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP): Regular monitoring of SO2, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times