National Clean Air Programme Shows Mixed Pollution Results
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) of India, launched in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter pollution in 130 cities. Recent data from 2024-25 reveals that only a fraction of these cities have met the pollution reduction targets. This update marks the progress and challenges faced by the programme as the 2026 deadline approaches.
Background and Objectives of NCAP
NCAP was initiated to curb air pollution levels in India’s most polluted cities. The original goal was to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2024, based on 2017 levels. In 2022, the target was revised to a 40% reduction in PM10 by 2026, with no specific target for PM2.5. The programme covers 130 cities, including 48 million-plus urban areas, funded through various government schemes with grants exceeding ₹13,000 crore.
Progress and Performance Statistics
By 2024-25, only 25 out of 130 cities achieved the 40% reduction target in PM10 levels. In total, 103 cities showed some reduction compared to 2017-18 baseline data. However, 25 cities reported an increase in PM10 levels. Four cities—Bareilly, Varanasi, Firozabad, and Dehradun—recorded the highest improvements with reductions over 57%. Major metros like Mumbai (44%), Kolkata (37%), Delhi (15%), and Chennai (12%) also showed progress but fell short of the 40% goal.
Challenges and Cities with Rising Pollution
Despite efforts, pollution worsened in some areas. Aurangabad saw the largest spike with a 33.3% increase in PM10. Jalgaon, Vishakhapatnam, and Nalgonda also recorded rises above 30%. Other cities like Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Gaya, Srikakulam, and Korba witnessed moderate increases. Data for Faridabad and Srinagar was unavailable, indicating gaps in monitoring.
Funding and Implementation Framework
NCAP’s financial support involves two main streams – the 15th Finance Commission’s Million Plus City Challenge Fund for large urban centres and the Union Ministry of Environment’s Control of Pollution Scheme for others. Grants are performance-linked and aim to plug critical gaps in pollution control infrastructure. The government allocated over ₹10,400 crore for NCAP initiatives.
Impact of NCAP Measures
The programme’s interventions include stricter emission norms, monitoring networks, public awareness campaigns, and promotion of cleaner technologies. The improvements in many cities reflect these efforts. However, rising pollution in some areas suggests uneven implementation and challenges like industrial growth, vehicular emissions, and local factors.
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