National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 2025: Progress Report
As India navigates the complex landscape of air quality management, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) remains a crucial initiative in the country’s quest for cleaner air. Launched in 2019, NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter) PM concentrations by 20-30% by 2024, with a revised target of a 40% reduction in PM10 levels by 2026. In this article, we’ll delve into the progress report on NCAP, air quality trends, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Air Quality Progress in NCAP Cities: A Mixed Bag
Of the 130 NCAP cities, 28 still lack continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS). Among the 102 cities with monitoring stations, only 97 cities reported 80% or more PM10 data coverage. Furthermore, 29 out of these 97 cities recorded an increase in PM10 concentrations, while only 41 cities achieved the initial NCAP target of a 20-30% reduction in PM10 levels.
Air Quality Across India: A Dire Situation
In 2024, India’s National Clean Air Programme revealed that 206 cities exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM10. Notably, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, emerged as the most polluted city, with an annual average PM10 concentration of 236 µg/m³. Furthermore, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi followed closely, with concentrations of 226 µg/m³ and 211 µg/m³, respectively. Meanwhile, 47 cities successfully met the standard, reflecting a slight improvement in air quality.
The National Picture: PM2.5 Concentrations
Out of 256 cities with 80% or more PM2.5 data, 150 cities exceeded the NAAQS for PM2.5, while 106 cities met the standard. Byrnihat, Assam, ranked as the most polluted city in India, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of 126 µg/m³, followed by Delhi (105 µg/m³), and Gurgaon, Haryana (91 µg/m³).
Funding and Utilization: A Cause for Concern
The government released ₹11,211 crore for the National Clean Air Programme between 2019-2025, but only utilized ₹7,594 crore. Additionally, XV-FC grants have a 69% utilization rate, outperforming NCAP’s 63% rate. Moreover, the majority, 67%, of funds go towards road dust management, while domestic fuel and industries each receive only 1%. In contrast, capacity building and monitoring, vital for improving pollution levels, receive a mere 4%.
Monitoring Network: Progress and Challenges
India’s National Clean Air Programme expanded its monitoring network in 2024, setting up 1,524 air quality monitoring stations. Additionally, 62 new stations were established, surpassing the previous year’s total. However, the programme fell short of its target, lacking 534 manual stations to meet the 1,500-station goal. Furthermore, despite increased installation of CAAQMS, poor maintenance and non-compliance with CPCB guidelines hinder data quality, affecting pollution levels in 550 cities across 28 states and 7 UTs.
**Recommendations for a Healthier India
To strengthen the National Clean Air Programme’s shortcomings, we propose prioritizing the more hazardous PM2.5 particles. Moreover, NCAP must refocus on PM2.5 as its primary concern. Furthermore, the list of non-attainment cities should be revised biennially to reduce the pollutant load. Stricter emission standards must be enforced, guided by source apportionment studies, which identify key pollution sources and designing targeted interventions to improve air quality.
In conclusion, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) faces significant challenges in achieving its goals. However, by adopting our recommendations and prioritizing PM2.5 reduction, India can make meaningful progress towards achieving the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
Source: Manojkumar N; Niveditha Muruganandam