Table of Contents
THE CONTEXT: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched by the Indian government in 2019, aimed at reducing particulate matter in the air by 20-30% by 2024 from 2017 levels, later revised to 40% by 2026. It highlights the challenges in implementing the Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs) due to inconsistent fund utilization, bureaucratic delays, and lack of effective standard operating procedures. It emphasizes the importance of Emissions Inventory (EI), Air Quality (AQ) modeling, and Source Apportionment (SA) studies in identifying pollution sources and formulating targeted strategies.
ISSUES:
- Inconsistent Implementation of Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs): While most cities have submitted their CAAPs, the implementation has been inconsistent. On average, only 60% of the allocated funds have been utilized, with some cities like Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru spending almost none of their designated budgets.
- Delays in Implementation: There are significant delays in implementing NCAP, often due to slow approvals from competent authorities. These delays are related to technical specifications, tendering processes, and procurement of necessary products like mechanical sweepers and electric buses.
- Lack of Standard Operating Procedures: The absence of well-defined standard operating procedures for the implementation process contributes to delays. The lack of clear timelines and bureaucratic hurdles further exacerbate these issues.
- Doubts About Effectiveness of Mitigation Measures: Recent findings questioning the efficacy of specific mitigation measures, such as outdoor smog towers, have led to hesitation among decision-makers regarding adopting proposed solutions.
- Underutilization of Scientific Tools: Tools like Emissions Inventory (EI), Air Quality (AQ) modeling, and Source Apportionment (SA) studies are underutilized. Only 37% of cities have completed EI and SA studies, crucial for identifying pollution sources and shaping targeted control strategies.
- Challenges in Pollution Source Identification: SA studies, while helpful, cannot predict future emissions and require substantial resources. They also struggle to distinguish between pollution sources that are close together due to similar chemical signatures.
- Limited Use of Air Quality Modeling: Air Quality modeling, which can help understand pollution dispersion from distant sources, is not being fully exploited to inform mitigation strategies.
- Focus on Primary PM Emissions Only: Many control measures focus solely on primary particulate matter emissions, neglecting secondary precursors, also significant contributors to air pollution.
- Lack of Comprehensive Infrastructure: Apart from a few cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, most do not have the necessary decision-support systems to forecast and manage air quality effectively.
- Funding Linked to Performance: NCAP funding is performance-based, linked to the annual average PM concentration reduction. This requires precise budgeting and time management, which are currently lacking in many cases.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Expand Emissions Inventory (EI) and Source Apportionment (SA) Studies: Increase funding and resources to ensure that all cities complete EI and SA studies. This will help identify local and transboundary pollution sources accurately. Use sophisticated air quality modeling tools to understand pollution dispersion patterns and the impact of various mitigation measures. This will also help in addressing the impact of transboundary pollution.
- Streamlining Implementation Processes: Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for the implementation of clean air action plans. This includes standardizing the technical specifications for procurement and reducing bureaucratic delays. Define clear timelines for each stage of the implementation process to ensure timely execution of pollution control measures.
- Improving Policy and Regulatory Framework: Foster cooperation between states and regions to manage transboundary pollution effectively. This could include agreements on pollution reduction targets and joint action plans. Strengthen the enforcement of existing pollution control laws and update them as necessary to address new challenges and scientific findings.
- Increasing Public Engagement and Awareness: Conduct extensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the sources and health impacts of air pollution and the importance of pollution reduction measures. Engage community groups in monitoring air quality and implementing local clean air initiatives. This can increase public support and compliance with regulatory measures.
- Leveraging Technology and Innovation: Promote cleaner technologies in industries, transportation, and energy sectors. This includes encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles, cleaner fuels, and industrial processes. Implement intelligent technologies like IoT-based sensors for real-time air quality monitoring and data collection. This can provide accurate and timely data to policymakers and the public.
- Securing Financial Resources and Incentives: Ensure adequate funding for implementing clean air plans and provide financial incentives for industries and municipalities to adopt pollution control technologies. Link the disbursement of NCAP funds to achieving predefined air quality improvement targets to encourage better performance and accountability.
- Building Capacity and Expertise: Conduct training programs for local government officials and technical staff on air quality management, including EI, SA, and air quality modeling. Partner with universities and research institutions to access technical expertise and innovative solutions for air pollution control.
THE CONCLUSION:
For NCAP to be successful, a comprehensive approach that includes rigorous scientific studies, strategic funding, and swift implementation of mitigation measures is necessary. It stresses the need for cities to utilize EI and SA data effectively to understand pollution sources and tailor their mitigation strategies accordingly.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:
Q. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? 2020
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Examine the challenges and strategies for effectively implementing the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in India. Discuss the role of scientific tools such as Emissions Inventory (EI), Air Quality (AQ) modeling, and Source Apportionment (SA) studies in aiding the NCAP’s objectives.
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