Question : Funds for Pollution Abatement

(a) whether the Government has allocated funds for testing air pollution levels and pollution control measures including monitoring thereof in the major cities of the country;
(b) if so, the details of the funds allocated/released and utilised in this regard during the last three years and the current year, scheme and State-wise including Bihar;
(c) whether the Government is considering the proposal made by the US for monitoring the air quality in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes to launch public private partnership mode for Transport and Pollution Management Schemes; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) and (b) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in association with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) / Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) monitors air quality across the country under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). The NAMP network comprises of 680 monitoring stations located in 300 cities/towns covering 29 states and 6 union territories. State-wise details of funds released to various monitoring agencies during the years 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 for ambient air quality monitoring as operational and maintenance cost under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) is annexed.

(c) United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) proposal regarding monitoring of air quality in the country largely entails exchange of technical expertise. Technical discussion with USEPA in this regard is an ongoing process and two meetings with USEPA in regard have already been held.

(d) and (e) The Government has formulated the environmental regulations and statutes for management and control of pollution. The Government has also laid down National Ambient Air Quality standards and notified 115 emission/effluent standards for 104 different sectors of industries, besides 32 general standards for ambient air. The compliance and implementation of these provisions and standards by the polluting industries is mandatory and binding. In so far as scheme for abatement of pollution is concerned, it allows for participation of Public as well as Private Sector.

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