Battle for clean air has a long way to go

National clean air plan has made only limited progress. More funds, targeted utilisation can improve its impact

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Blue skies and bright sun have been rare for large parts of north India that live in a heavy haze through the winter months. But poor air quality is a national phenomenon now. Even so, over the last five years, there has been noticeable recognition of air pollution as a matter of policy concern. However, a five-year assessment of the country's national clean air programme (NCAP) reveals that strenuous efforts are needed to provide meaningful and lasting gains.

Launched in 2019, the NCAP was the first-of-its-kind approach to tackling India's infamous air quality. The initial allotment of 443 crore from the Centre and 24,400 crore from the 15th Finance Commission was to lower pollution levels primarily particulate matter (PM) concentrations by at least 20% to 30% in the major cities. The plan set clear targets and stimulated the need for policy innovation, a market for clean air technology and a sharper focus on clean energy systems. However, there are several shortcomings.

An analysis of the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) - India's countrywide network of air quality monitors-shows while progress is steady, there is a need for strategic and science-based changes to implementing the NCAP in its next phase. Out of the 131 non-attainment cities, data was analysed for 92 cities that had continuous monitoring and reported a functional monitoring station for at least half the time in a year.

For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) mandates the annual average limits for PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations as 5µg/m³ and 15µg/m³.