• UGI USER
  • Jan 11, 2024
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AIR QUALITY TARGETS IN INDIAN CITIES

Why in the News?

  • Centre’s initiative to enhance air quality shows most Indian cities are distant from significant progress.
  • Analysis of 49 cities reveals only 4 met or exceeded targeted PM 2.5 decline, a hazardous pollutant grade.
Source: The Hindu

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Evaluation:

  • NCAP’s ₹9,631-crore plan aims for a 40% reduction in average particulate matter concentrations by 2026 in 131 cities.
  • Initial goal of 20-40% reduction by 2024 was later shifted to 2026, and current data suggests varying degrees of improvement.
About NCAP

·   Launch: Initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019.

·   Purpose :Aims to establish the first national framework for air quality management with specific reduction goals.

·   Reduction Targets: Targets a minimum 20% reduction in concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 over the next five years.

·   Base Year: Uses 2017 as the base year for comparing air quality improvements.

·   Coverage: Encompasses 102 non-attainment cities in 23 states and Union territories.

·   Identification: Identification based on ambient air quality data from 2011 to 2015 by the Central Pollution Control Board( CPCB).

What are Non-attainment Cities?

Non-attainment cities are those failing to meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five consecutive years.