India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), despite its ambitious goals and launched to combat urban air pollution, faces significant challenges in in effectively reducing air pollutionA recent assessment report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals critical concerns about the programme’s implementation over its five-year span.
Dust Control Focus: Missing the Mark
The NCAP has primarily focused on PM10 levels to gauge air quality improvements, sidelining the more harmful PM2.5. PM2.5, largely emitted from combustion sources, is a crucial health indicator. However, investments and efforts have been misdirected towards controlling dust, which does not adequately reflect the true impact on air quality across sectors.
PM10 levels can fluctuate due to meteorological factors, dust storms, and heat waves, not just policy interventions. This variance highlights the need for source-specific PM10 monitoring and a shift in focus towards PM2.5 to drive meaningful action.
MISALIGNED GOALS: THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN POLICY AND PERFORMANCE
Inconsistent Rankings and Incentives
Cities ranked high for PM10 improvements often do not correlate with those taking effective policy actions. For instance, Delhi ranked 9th under the State Voluntary Scheme (SVS) but scored zero under NCAP. This discrepancy indicates a disconnect between actions taken and actual air quality improvements.
Case Studies: Disparities in Performance
Cities like Agra, Delhi, and Ghaziabad performed well under SVS but poorly under NCAP. Conversely, cities such as Indore and Bhopal ranked high in both assessments. This inconsistency underscores the need for clearer correlations between policies and air quality metrics.
OVERLOOKED COMBUSTION SOURCES: A CRITICAL GAP
Industrial and Transport Emissions
The NCAP’s current focus on dust control neglects key combustion sources, including industry and transport. Industrial pollution control remains insufficient, with minimal reporting on stack emissions, inspections, and enforcement actions. Transport sector interventions, such as vehicle electrification and public transport improvements, also lack comprehensive implementation and reporting.
Role of Power Plants and Non-Conforming Units
Power plants and small to medium-scale industrial units often fall outside city action plans. Effective pollution control requires incorporating these sources into broader strategies and reporting frameworks.
DATA TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING: A NEED FOR CLARITY
Inconsistent Data Availability
City-specific air quality improvements and actions are not transparently reported under NCAP. The lack of detailed, consistent data hampers the ability to assess the scale and quality of actions taken. Transparent reporting is essential for understanding and replicating successful interventions.
Enhanced Reporting Mechanisms
Developing automated digital systems for data recording and reporting can streamline the process. This would enable better tracking of progress and facilitate capacity building among urban local bodies (ULBs) and state pollution control boards (SPCBs).
REGIONAL APPROACH: BEYOND CITY LIMITS
Transboundary Pollution
Cities alone cannot achieve clean air benchmarks without addressing transboundary pollution. The NCAP’s focus on the Indo-Gangetic Plains with an airshed approach is a step in the right direction, but inter-state coordination is essential for comprehensive solutions.
Addressing Smaller Towns and Rural Areas
Regional strategies should also encompass smaller towns and rural areas, leveraging cluster mechanisms for shared solutions and infrastructure. These regions often lack the resources and capacity for complex measures, necessitating a collaborative approach.
POLICY SUPPORT AND FUNDING: A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE
Federal and National Integration
Multi-sector clean air action requires robust support from both federal and national levels. Strategies related to industry, public transport, waste management, and clean fuels need alignment with national policies for effective implementation.
Long-Term Funding Strategies
Sustained and scalable action demands long-term policy visibility and funding strategies. The NCAP must integrate innovative financing mechanisms, such as green municipal bonds, and repurpose funds towards impactful clean air initiatives.
