The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution in 131 cities across India

 The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution in 131 cities across India, initially targeting a 20-30% reduction in PM10 levels by 2024, later revised to a 40% reduction by 2026. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Key Aspects of NCAP:

Objective:

To improve air quality in 131 non-attainment cities (cities exceeding national ambient air quality standards) and million-plus cities. 

Target:

Initially aimed for a 20-30% reduction in PM10 levels by 2024, with a revised target of a 40% reduction by 2026. 

Implementation:

Cities are required to develop and implement city-specific action plans to reduce PM pollution. 

Monitoring:

The program utilizes a monitoring network to track air quality and assess the effectiveness of interventions. 

Stakeholder Engagement:

The program involves various stakeholders, including central and state governments, local authorities, and the public. 

Monitoring Portal:

The "PRANA" portal (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities) monitors the implementation of NCAP. 

Progress:

95 out of 131 cities have shown improvement in air quality in terms of annual PM10 concentrations in FY 2023-24 compared to the baseline of FY 2017-18. 

Funding:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has allocated funds to support the implementation of NCAP. 

Challenges:

Some cities still lack continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations, and some have seen increases in PM10 concentrations despite NCAP efforts. 

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan:

MoEF&CC conducts Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, which ranks the 131 cities covered under NCAP based on population.