While 18 cities achieved their PM10 (particulate matter 10 microns or less in diameter) reduction target of meeting the 60 micrograms per cubic metre of air threshold by 2023-24 (FY24), data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reveals that 30 cities recorded an increase in PM10 levels compared to 2017-18 (FY18), indicating deteriorating air quality.
The NCAP set a goal of reducing PM10 levels by 40 per cent or achieving the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre by 2025-26 across "non-attainment cities and million-plus cities" in 24 states. However, MoEFCC data shows that while 18 cities have met the PM10 threshold, five of them already had a PM10 concentration below 60 micrograms per cubic metre in FY18.
This story is from the December 02, 2024 edition of Business Standard.
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This story is from the December 02, 2024 edition of Business Standard.
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