Launches NCAP, a five-year scheme that covers 102 cities at a cost of Rs.300 crore
- The Centre has launched a programme to reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution by 20-30% in at least 102 cities by 2024.
- The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was formally unveiled is envisaged as a scheme to provide the States and the Centre with a framework to combat air pollution.
Long-term process
- Pointing out that curbing PM pollution would be a long-term process, officials said the Rs.300-crore programme will bring pollution concerns to the heart of a State’s development plans.
- After five years, there will be a review of the progress.
- For achieving the NCAP targets, the cities will have to calculate the reduction in pollution, keeping 2017’s average annual PM levels as the base year.
- The World Health Organisation’s database on air pollution over the years has listed Tier I and Tier II Indian cities as some of the most polluted places in the world.
- It isn't clear how the government arrived at a number to determine the PM reduction that cities must strive for.
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