Majority of Indian cities far from clean air target, says study
- The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in India aims to improve air quality, with a focus on reducing particulate matter concentrations.
- However, an analysis by Respirer Living Sciences and Climate Trends reveals varying success rates in different cities.
Key Highlights
Original Targets and Adjustments
- The NCAP originally aimed for a 20-40% reduction in pollution by 2024 but later extended the deadline to 2026.
- The ultimate goal is a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentrations in 131 cities compared to 2017 levels.
City-wise Progress
- Of 49 cities with consistent particulate matter data for five years, only 4 met or exceeded the targeted decline.
- Delhi's PM 2.5 levels decreased by 5.9%, while Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Ujjain, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam experienced varying levels of increase.
Positive Outliers
- Cities like Varanasi, Agra, and Jodhpur showcased remarkable progress, achieving reductions of 50-72% in PM 2.5 levels.
- Notably, all cities meeting the 2026 targets are from Uttar Pradesh.
Influence of Monitoring Stations
- The availability and spread of continuous ambient air quality monitors impact annual pollutant concentrations.
- Cities like Mumbai and Delhi, with numerous monitoring stations, fare better in assessing pollution levels compared to those with fewer than five stations.
Geographical Factors
- The variations in pollution levels are attributed to geographical locations, diverse emission sources, and meteorological influences.
- The contribution of emissions versus meteorology requires further study.
Concerns and Suggestions
- While the NCAP has made progress, challenges persist, with some cities experiencing an increase in pollution.
- Strengthening monitoring infrastructure and achieving the revised 40% reduction goal by 2026 reflect a commitment to environmental targets.
Prelims Takeaway
- National Clean Air Programme
- Air Pollution