Bhupender Yadav calls for coordinated action in implementing NCAP

NEW DELHI: Bhupender Yadav, Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change (EF&CC), Government of India, on Thursday, March 16, stressed the importance of coordinated efforts from the central and state government and union territory administration, urban local bodies (ULBs) and State Pollution Control Board in the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

The central minister was speaking at the meeting of the National Apex Committee under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Yadav applauded the efforts of 95 cities, which have improved air quality and 20 other cities, which have met the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in 2021-22.

He spoke at length on the significance of the Airshed approach in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and called for regional cooperation to tackle the issue of air pollution. He also talked about the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India for a citizen-centric approach for protection and conservation of environment. On August 15, 2020, Prime Minister assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring that citizens of the country have access to clean air. The PM also highlighted the intent and commitment to improving air quality through a holistic approach in other cities.

The Ministry informed that around ₹8,915 crore have been earmarked to enhance air quality improvement measures in 131 cities to achieve predetermined annual air pollution reduction targets, and the allocated fund is to be used between 2019-20 and 2022-23.

NCAP, a national-level strategy that outlines actions to reduce air pollution at the city and regional levels in India, was launched on January 10, 2019. NCAP aims to cut air pollution with the help of all stakeholders and will be implemented in 131 non-attainment cities along with other million-plus cities. National, state, and city-level action plans will be formulated in all 131 cities spread across 24 cities under NCAP programme.

The prescribed set of targets under NCAP programme includes a 40 per cent reduction of   Particulate Matter (PM10) levels or achievement of national level standards (60 microgram/cubic meter) by 2025-26. Apart from that, states and UTs have been asked to mobilise resources in line with various schemes introduced for improving air quality in the country by the Government of India.

The state governments of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh also highlighted their progress under their Clean Air Action Plans and other exercises under the NCAP programme.

States have been directed to hold regular meetings of all committees, including Steering Committees, State Level Monitoring and Implementation Committees and City Implementation Committees to ensure effective implementation of NCAP. On the other hand, cities have been asked to upload their action plans and progress reports on the PRANA portal.

Meeting of the National Apex Committee under the Co-Chairmanship of Bhupender Yadav and Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was held to review the implementation of NCAP.

Representatives of eight central ministries, including the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare were present in the meeting. Representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Chairman of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB), Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, Chief Secretaries, Additional Chief Secretaries/ Principal Secretaries, and 131 city Municipal Commissioners also participated in the meeting.