The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) introduced by the Government of India is a landmark initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of air pollution in the country. Envisioned as a comprehensive strategy, NCAP lays down a framework to combat air pollution and improve air quality in urban areas across India. One of its key features is its emphasis on collaborative action, bringing together various stakeholders including government agencies, local authorities, industries, civil society organizations, and the public to work towards a common goal. Additionally, NCAP adopts a multi-sectoral approach, recognizing that air pollution stems from diverse sources such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction, and biomass burning. The program sets ambitious targets for reducing particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by 20-30% over the next five years, with an emphasis on 102 non-attainment cities identified based on their air quality monitoring data. Moreover, NCAP prioritizes capacity building and technology adoption to strengthen air quality monitoring and management systems, enabling timely interventions and policy adjustments. It also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and participation, encouraging citizens to adopt cleaner practices and contribute to mitigating air pollution. Furthermore, the program promotes research and innovation to develop sustainable solutions and interventions tailored to local contexts. By integrating these key features, the National Clean Air Programme aims to foster a collaborative, holistic, and sustainable approach towards achieving breathable air for all citizens of India.
Tag: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment,
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to write about the air pollution situation in India..
- In Body,
- Discuss features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
- Note the challenges of air pollution.
- Try to conclude with suggestions to curb air pollution.
Answer:
The Central Government launched National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a long-term, time-bound, national-level approach to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner with targets to achieve 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration. Under NCAP, 122 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the Air Quality data from 2014-2018.
Key Features of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
- Targets: Targets to achieve 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration.
- Non-attainable Cities: Under NCAP, 122 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the Air Quality data from 2014-2018.
- City specific plans: The city specific action plans have been prepared which include measures for strengthening the monitoring network, reducing vehicular/industrial emissions, increasing public awareness etc.
- Committees: Implementation of the city specific action plans are regularly monitored by Committees at Central and State level namely Steering Committee, Monitoring Committee, and Implementation Committee.
- State Pollution Control Boards: Air quality of cities is monitored by State Pollution Control Boards which publishes their results from time to time. Some Smart Cities have established Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) which are also connected to Air Quality Monitors (AQMs) for effective monitoring.
- Certification: Setting up of certification agencies for monitoring equipment, source apportionment studies, emphasis on enforcement, specific sectoral interventions etc.
Initiatives under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- Augmenting Air Quality Monitoring Network : National air quality monitoring network to be revisited, past data to be analyzed for rationalization of monitored parameters, and monitoring needs be reassessed for augmenting the monitoring network .
- Air Quality Management Plan for 100 Non-Attainment Cities : The city action plans need to be guided by a comprehensive science based approach.
- Indoor Air Pollution Monitoring & Management : It refers to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of air in the indoor environment within a home, building, or an institution or commercial facility.
- National Emission Inventory : An emission inventory is an accounting of the amount of pollutants discharged into the atmosphere.
- Network of Technical Institutions : Knowledge Partners Network of highly qualified and experienced academicians, academic administrators and technical institutions in the area of air pollution will be created.
- Technology Assessment Cell : Technology Assessment Cell is being envisaged to evaluate the technologies having significance in reference to prevention, control and abatement of pollution.
NCAP is envisaged to be dynamic although the targets appear less ambitious. However, it is expected to evolve based on the additional scientific and technical information. Nonetheless, successful realization of objectives of the NCAP is mitigation actions for prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution has started to show up. In this context, it is a major step to ensure the right to clean air to the citizens.
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