Question : Target of Reducing Air Pollution

(a) whether the Union Government has recently fixed a target of reducing air pollution by 20-30 percent in more than 100 cities across the country, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Union Government has since ascertained the factors responsible for increase in air pollution in most of the cities;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Central Pollution Control Board and National Clean Air Programme have not been effectively functioning to control/check air pollution across the country resulting in various diseases to citizens; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps Union Government has taken to tone up the functioning of the bodies which are not functioning properly?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) In order to address the increasing air pollution across the country in a comprehensive manner, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has finalized the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) as a pan India time bound national level strategy. City specific action plans are being formulated for 102 non-attainment cities identified for implementing mitigation actions under NCAP. Taking into account the available international experiences and national studies, midterm target of 20-30% for reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by 2024 is part of the NCAP. This is keeping 2017 as the base year for comparison of concentration.

(b) & (c)Data generated from NAMP over the years reveal that particulate matters (PM10 & PM2.5) are the major challenge which are found to be exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard across country, specifically in urban areas of Indo-Gangetic plain. Other pollutants viz SOx and NOx and ozone are mostly observed to be within the prescribed national standards. While vehicles, industries, constructions, road dust, biomass burning are major sources of pollution for the region, the inherent disadvantages of the Indo-Gangetic plain stemming from its geographical location and dry-alluvial soil composition compounds the air pollution levels for the region. Temperature inversions and stable wind conditions which are characteristic features in North India during winters further adds to air pollution levels.

(d) &(e) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change along with Central Pollution Control Board has taken many initiatives to curb the air pollution and improve the air quality inter alia, include notification of Graded Response Action Plan for different levels of air pollution in Delhi and NCR; notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards; setting up of monitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality; introduction of cleaner / alternate fuels like gaseous fuel (CNG, LPG etc.), ethanol blending, launching of National Air Quality index; universalization of BS-IV from 2017; leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards since 1st April, 2018 in National Capital Territory of Delhi and from 1st April, 2020 in the rest of the country; notification of Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules; banning of burning of biomass; notifications regarding Mandatory Implementation of Dust Mitigation Measures for all Construction and Demolition Activities; promotion of public transport network; streamlining the issuance of Pollution Under Control Certificate; issuance of directions under Section 18(1)(b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, etc.

With all these initiatives, Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) data has indicated some improvement in air quality of Delhi in 2018 (Jan– Dec 11, 2018) compared to 2017 (Jan – Dec 11, 2017), such as increase in number of ‘Good’ to ‘Moderate’ days to 158 from 151 in 2017, and reduction in number of ‘Poor’ to ‘Severe’ days from 194 in 2017 to 187 in 2018, despite usual seasonal pattern wherein minimum pollutant levels are observed during monsoon, moderate levels during summers and high concentration of pollutants in winters. In addition to above, Institutional Framework at Centre and State Level are part of NCAP for its effective implementation and for ensuring accountability of agencies for success of the NCAP.

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