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Source-This post is based on the article “Majority of cities far from clean air target, says study” published in “The Hindu” on 10th January 2024.
Why in the News?
According to an analysis conducted by Respirer Living Sciences and Climate Trends, a significant number of Indian cities are considerably distant from achieving clean air target.
What are the conclusions drawn from the analysis?
| Parameter | Observations |
| PM 2.5 | 1. Out of 49 cities, only four achieved or surpassed the targeted decline in PM 2.5(the most hazardous pollutant) with 27 cities experiencing a decrease. 2. Delhi, for example, has only seen a 5.9% decline in average annual PM 2.5 levels, while Navi Mumbai has witnessed a 46% rise. 3. Varanasi showed a significant improvement with a 72% reduction in PM 2.5 levels and a 69% reduction in PM 10 levels from 2019-2023. |
| NCAP Targets | 1. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) seeks a 40% reduction in average particulate matter by 2026 (compared to 2017) in 131 cities. 2. Despite the three-year deadline, major Indian cities are experiencing either slight reductions or increases in pollution levels. |
| Ambient air quality monitoring system | 1. The majority of Indian cities have only a few monitors. 2. Among the 92 cities analyzed, only four have over 10 stations. |
What is National Clean Air Programme?
UPSC Syllabus- Environment
