Goal of NCAP is to meet the prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards at all locations in the country in a stipulated time frame. The tentative national level target of 20%–30% reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by 2024 is proposed under the NCAP taking 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration.
Features of NCAP
- The National Clean Air Programme is a pollution control initiative that was launched by the Ministry of Environment with the intention to cut the concentration of coarse (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or less, or PM10) and fine particles.
- Tenure
Mid-term five (5) years action plan to begin with keeping 2019 as base year. Further extendable to 20-25 years in long-term after mid-term review of the outcomes.
- Objectives
. Stringent implementation of mitigation measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
. Augment and strengthen air quality monitoring networks across the country.
. Augment public awareness and capacity building measures.
- Approach
. Multisectoral and collaborative
. Mainstreaming and integration into the existing policies and programs including National Action Plan on Climate Change.
. Use Smart Cities framework to launch NCAP in the 43 Smart Cities falling in the list of 102 non-attainment cities.
Implementation Framework
- The CPCB shall, in consonance with the Air (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and in particular with the provision of Section 16(2)(b) of the Act, execute the programme for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution within the framework of the NCAP.
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) acts as a nodal agency for the implementation of various provisions on control of air pollution from vehicles through Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989.
- The NCAP will be institutionalized by respective ministries and will be organized through inter-sectoral groups, which include, in addition to the related ministries, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, NITI Aayog, CPCB, experts from the industry, academia, and civil society.
