In a major push to combat the nation's toxic air pollution, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today launched the second phase of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), setting an aggressive new target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentration in 100 identified cities by the year 2028.
The first phase of the NCAP, launched in 2019, achieved a modest 18% average reduction in the initial 82 cities against a target of 20-30% by 2024. Learning from its experiences, Phase-II is more comprehensive, legally backed, and technologically driven.
It includes a five-fold increase in funding, a significant portion of which is earmarked for the adoption of electric vehicles in public transport, the installation of continuous emission monitoring systems at all major industrial clusters, and a national drive for the implementation of the Vapor Recovery System at petrol pumps.
"This is not just a policy; it is a national mission for clean breath," stated the Environment Minister. "Phase-II moves beyond tentative targets to enforceable mandates. Cities will be ranked quarterly, and non-performing urban local bodies will see a reduction in funding. We are also integrating real-time source apportionment studies to dynamically identify and tackle pollution sources."
The announcement has been welcomed by environmental groups, though with a note of caution. "The enhanced targets and funding are commendable and exactly what is needed," said a representative from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
"The real test will be in the implementation and inter-agency coordination, especially in managing the complex issue of stubble burning, which requires a synergistic approach between the agriculture and environment ministries." With winter approaching, the launch of NCAP Phase-II signals the government's intent to tackle the perennial pollution crisis with renewed vigour.
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