• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019 to improve air quality in 131 cities across 24 states.

• The initiative targets a 20-30% reduction in PM concentrations by 2024, with an updated goal of achieving up to a 40% reduction or meeting national standards by 2025-26.

• Cities have implemented specific action plans addressing local pollution sources, targeting local pollution sources such as dust, vehicles, domestic fuels, waste burning, construction, and industry.

• This is supported by Rs. 19,614.44 crores allocated for the program, with Rs. 11,211.13 crores already disbursed.

• Various other central government schemes will be congerged to assist in the action plan.

• Recent progress shows 95 cities improved PM10 levels in FY 2023-24.

• Additionally, the government has introduced few other initiatives to combat air pollution, such as:

1. Stricter Revised air quality and emission standards

2. Promotion of cleaner fuels  

3. Launch of the National Air Quality Index

4. Mandated online emission monitoring

5. Introduction of the waste management rules

6. Formation of the Air Quality Management Commission  to combat air pollution effectively.

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