India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to curb air pollution by significantly reducing particulate matter (PM) concentration. The initial target was a 20-30% cut by 2024, later revised to 40% by 2026. Cities exceeding annual PM limits are required to develop and implement Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs) with allocated government funds.
However, progress has been hindered by slow implementation. While most cities submitted CAAPs, only 60% of allocated funds have been utilized. Bureaucratic hurdles, unclear timelines, and doubts about some mitigation measures have further hampered efforts.
NCAP And Its Implementation Challenges
- What is the NCAP?: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a plan in India aimed at tackling air pollution in cities.
- Implementation Challenges: Cities in India must create and follow Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs) if they consistently exceed yearly PM levels. The government has set aside funds for this, but many cities haven’t spent them efficiently.
- Implementation Issues: Many cities have only used around 60% of the allocated funds. Some, like Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru, have hardly used any of it. Delays in approvals and a lack of clear procedures make it harder to implement plans.
- Reasons for Delays: Implementing clean air measures takes time, and there’s no set timeline. Bureaucratic hurdles and doubts about the effectiveness of proposed solutions also slow things down.
- Moving Forward: To overcome these challenges, a systematic approach based on Emissions Inventory (EI), Air Quality (AQ) modelling, and Source Apportionment (SA) is needed. This can help ensure effective and timely implementation of clean air measures.
Utilizing Scientific Tools for Pollution Control
- Importance of Emissions Inventory (EI) Studies: EI studies help experts identify local pollution sources and predict future emissions. They guide targeted pollution control strategies. However, they struggle to assess pollution from outside areas, like stubble burning affecting Delhi’s air quality.
- Understanding Source Apportionment (SA) Studies: SA studies analyze contributions from various pollution sources, even distant ones. However, they can’t predict future pollution and require specialized equipment and personnel. They also can’t distinguish between nearby and faraway sources with similar emissions.
- Bridging Gaps with Air Quality (AQ) Modelling: AQ modelling helps understand how pollution disperses, even from distant sources. It fills gaps left by EI and SA studies, enhancing our overall understanding of pollution and aiding in effective pollution control measures.
Utilizing Data and Models for Air Pollution Control
- Importance of Emissions Inventory (EI) and Source Apportionment (SA) Data: Cities should use EI and SA data to identify air pollutants and plan targeted mitigation measures. However, only 37% of cities have completed these studies, leaving many unaware of their air pollution sources.
- Challenges with Current Approaches: Relying solely on concentration data complicates air quality management, especially when pollution from outside city limits affects urban areas. Many control measures focus only on primary pollutants, ignoring secondary precursors.
- Shift Towards Comprehensive Strategies: To succeed, NCAP must adopt strategies addressing both primary and secondary pollutants. Additionally, infrastructure for forecasting air quality is lacking in most cities, hindering effective management.
Essential Factors for NCAP Success
- Swift Implementation: NCAP’s success relies on swift implementation on the ground. Agencies should streamline bureaucratic processes and use standardized technical evaluations to expedite actions.
- Budgeting and Time Management: Budgeting and time management are crucial for effective implementation. NCAP funding is tied to cities’ performance, emphasizing the need for accurate planning and timely execution.
- Multifaceted Approach: NCAP’s success depends on a multifaceted approach, combining scientific studies, strategic funding, and efficient implementation of mitigation measures. It’s a challenging journey but necessary for cleaner air in India.