ONLY A year is left for the polluted cities of India to clean up their act. In January 2019, the Union environment ministry launched a comprehensive policy framework, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), to improve air quality in 131 cities and urban agglomerations that consistently reported high pollution levels. The aim was to lower the concentration of particulate matter in these cities by up to 40 per cent by 2025-26, from the 2019 level. To enable implementation, NCAP promised performance-linked funding-a first-of-itskind strategy to curb air pollution. A massive ₹19,711 crore was earmarked for the programme. By 2023, as stated in the ministry's Annual Report 2023-24, all the 131 cities showed improvement in the levels of PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less). But have these cities managed to reduce air pollution effectively, which can cause a host of illnesses from lung cancer to cardiovascular diseases to low birth weight and lead to premature death? There are questions around this, and let me tell you why.
Of the ₹19,711 crore earmarked under NCAP, ₹16,539 crore is for 49 cities and urban agglomerations, each housing more than 1 million people; the remaining ₹3,172 crore has been earmarked for 82 cities with smaller populations, as per the ministry's Annual Report 2023-24. However, an analysis of this data shows poor utilisation of funds an indicator of ineffective implementation. Till December 2023, the 49 million-plus cities received ₹8,357.51 crore, but spent only 70 per cent-₹5,835.03 crore― of it. The 82 smaller cities received ₹1,292.5 crore, and spent only 37.5 per cent, or ₹480.92 crore, of it. This indicates the scale and speed of action to tackle air pollution are yet to catch up with the target.
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A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits
DIGGING A DISASTER
Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient
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As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production
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Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag
TROUBLED WOODS
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BLINDING GLOW
The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.
GROUND REALITY
What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.
Vinchurni's Gandhi
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