NCAP targets 40% reduction in PM levels by 2026

NEW DELHI: The Government of India has set a new goal of 40 per cent for the reduction in particulate matter (PM) concentration in cities covered by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by 2026. Earlier, the target was to reduce the PM concentration by 20 to 30 per cent by 2024. 

According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, PM10 levels in 2021 compared to 2017 levels were improved in 95 of the 131 non-attainment cities covered by the NCAP.

Twenty cities, including Chennai, Madurai, and Nashik, have achieved yearly average PM10 concentration levels that meet national criteria (60 micrograms per cubic metre). PM2.5, tiny, inhalable particles with an average diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, are the most dangerous to human health. PM2.5 levels must not exceed 40 micrograms per cubic metre annually.

For five years, the 132 cities covered by the NCAP failed to fulfil the national ambient air quality requirements (2011-2015). According to an official from the Ministry of Environment, the NCAP results have been positive so far. Therefore, the target of PM concentration reduction has been brought down to 40 per cent by 2026. City-specific action plans have been created under NCAP and include actions for enhancing the network of air quality monitors, lowering vehicular and industrial emissions, raising public awareness, etc.

The official added that the cities are also changing their action plans to fulfil the increased targets. From 241 micrograms per cubic metre in 2017 to 196 micrograms per cubic metre in 2021, Delhi’s PM10 levels decreased. Few of the other cities which have seen an improvement are Noida, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Patna, Nagpur, Pune, Agra, Allahabad, Bareilly, Firozabad, Moradabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jamshedpur and Ranchi.