National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Progress and Challenges
Environment · 01 Sept 2026 · Source: Internet
The NCAP, launched in 2019, aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 20‑30% in 102 cities by 2024, but faces implementation hurdles.
Under NCAP, city‑specific action plans focus on vehicular emission control, solid waste management and promotion of clean cooking fuels.
A mid‑term review in 2022 showed an average reduction of 12% in PM2.5 levels across target cities, with Delhi achieving only a 9% drop due to seasonal factors.
Challenges include inadequate monitoring infrastructure, inter‑agency coordination gaps, and financial constraints for smaller municipalities.
The programme’s outcomes influence India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and are pertinent to environmental policy questions in competitive exams.