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Question #17

What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India?

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The key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India are:

  1. Objective: The primary objective of the NCAP is to enhance air quality in cities and regions across India and reduce pollution levels by 20-30% in the next five years.

  2. Area-based Approach: The program adopts an area-based approach by focusing on 122 major cities that have a high load of air pollution. These cities are selected based on their air quality data.

  3. Collaborative Action: The NCAP promotes a collaborative approach by involving multiple stakeholders, including central ministries, state governments, local authorities, and civil societies. It emphasizes the concept of 'coordinated and convergent action' among all stakeholders.

  4. Source Apportionment Studies: The program aims to conduct city-specific source apportionment studies to identify the major sources of pollution and tailor interventions accordingly. This helps in developing targeted action plans for each city.

  5. Technology Adoption: The NCAP aims to promote the adoption of technology for pollution control. It encourages the use of suitable technologies and techniques, such as advanced sensors, real-time monitoring systems, and air quality forecasting models.

  6. Strengthening Monitoring Network: The program focuses on strengthening the existing monitoring network for air quality across cities. It aims to increase the number of monitoring stations and offers real-time data dissemination to the public.

  7. Public Participation: The NCAP recognizes the importance of public participation and awareness. It aims to involve citizens and educational institutions through campaigns, outreach programs, and awareness activities to mobilize public support for clean air action.

  8. Capacity Building: The program emphasizes the capacity building of national, state, and local institutions involved in air pollution control. It includes training programs, workshops, and knowledge sharing platforms to enhance technical and scientific capabilities.

  9. Inter-sectoral Cooperation: The NCAP encourages inter-sectoral cooperation among various departments such as transport, industry, energy, and waste management to address pollution from multiple sectors.

  10. Time-Bound Implementation: The NCAP sets specific timelines and targets for the implementation of various action plans. It emphasizes regular monitoring and evaluation to assess the progress and take necessary corrective measures.

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The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a comprehensive plan launched by the Government of India in 2019, aiming to tackle the country's severe air pollution problem. Here are some of its key features:

1. Comprehensive Approach:

  • Multi-sectoral focus: NCAP encompasses various sectors contributing to air pollution, including industries, vehicles, construction, waste management, and agriculture.
  • Multi-pronged strategy: It employs a combination of measures, including pollution control technologies, emission standards, awareness campaigns, and capacity building.

2. Targeted Action:

  • Identified 102 non-attainment cities: These cities exceed the national ambient air quality standards and are prioritized for intervention.
  • City-specific action plans: Each non-attainment city has developed an action plan tailored to its local pollution sources and context.

3. Air Quality Monitoring and Data Management:

  • Enhanced monitoring network: Expansion and modernization of air quality monitoring stations across the country.
  • Real-time data access: Provision of real-time data on air quality to the public through platforms like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website.

4. Pollution Control Measures:

  • Stringent emission standards: Implementation of stricter emission norms for industries, vehicles, and other pollution sources.
  • Promoting cleaner technologies: Encouraging the use of clean fuels like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), electric vehicles, and renewable energy sources.
  • Controlling vehicular pollution: Implementing measures like congestion charges, promoting public transport, and phasing out old polluting vehicles.

5. Public Engagement and Awareness:

  • Citizen participation: Encouraging citizen participation in monitoring air quality and reporting violations.
  • Public awareness campaigns: Raising awareness about the impact of air pollution and promoting responsible practices.

6. Capacity Building and Research:

  • Capacity building: Training and equipping state pollution control boards and local authorities to implement NCAP effectively.
  • Research and innovation: Supporting research on air pollution control technologies and strategies.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • Regular monitoring and evaluation: Periodic review of NCAP implementation and progress towards achieving its objectives.
  • Performance assessments: Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and identifying areas for improvement.

8. Collaboration and Coordination:

  • Inter-ministerial coordination: Collaboration among various government ministries and departments to ensure a coordinated approach.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Involvement of industry associations, NGOs, and other stakeholders in the planning and implementation of NCAP.

Overall, the NCAP represents a significant step towards addressing India's air pollution challenge. By implementing these key features, the program aims to improve air quality, protect public health, and build a cleaner and more sustainable future for India.

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The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a comprehensive initiative launched by the Government of India in 2019 to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in the country. The key features of NCAP are:

  1. National Target: Reduce particulate matter (PM) levels by 20-30% by 2024, compared to 2017 levels.

  2. City-Specific Action Plans: Develop and implement city-specific action plans for 102 non-attainment cities, which are cities that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

  3. Air Quality Monitoring Network: Establish a comprehensive air quality monitoring network with real-time data sharing, covering 100 cities, including 102 non-attainment cities.

  4. Multi-Sectoral Approach: Involve multiple ministries, including Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Petroleum and Natural Gas; Power; Road Transport and Highways; and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, to tackle air pollution from various sources.

  5. Source-Apportionment Study: Conduct source-apportionment studies to identify the sources of air pollution in each city and develop strategies to mitigate them.

  6. Control Measures: Implement control measures to reduce emissions from various sources, including:

  • Industries: Implement pollution control devices, switch to cleaner fuels, and promote waste minimization.
  • Vehicles: Promote cleaner fuels, increase the share of electric vehicles, and strengthen emission norms.
  • Construction and Demolition: Implement dust mitigation measures and promote the use of clean construction materials.
  • Waste Management: Promote segregation, recycling, and scientific disposal of municipal solid waste.
  • Agriculture: Promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce crop burning.
  1. Public Awareness and Education: Raise public awareness about the importance of clean air, health impacts of air pollution, and individual actions to reduce pollution.

  2. Research and Development: Encourage research and development in clean air technologies, emission reduction strategies, and pollution monitoring and management.

  3. Funding and Incentives: Provide funding support to cities for implementing air pollution control measures and offer incentives for industries and individuals who adopt clean air technologies and practices.

  4. Review and Revision: Regularly review and revise the programme to ensure its effectiveness and adapt to emerging challenges.

By addressing air pollution from multiple sources and engaging various stakeholders, NCAP aims to improve air quality, reduce related health impacts, and contribute to India's sustainable development.