The central government has revised the targets under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) asking states to lower the air pollution level by 40% by 2026. A report published by TOI highlighted that the decision came into place after witnessing an improvement in AQI levels in 95 Indian cities in 2021-22 as compared to 2017.
The Center has increased the deadline for cutting back on air pollution (PM concentrations) in cities from 20 to 30 percent in 2024 to 40 percent in 2025–2026. State representatives were informed of the new goal last week at the national conference of environment ministers in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
Even though Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Kanpur's air quality would still not be within acceptable limits with a 40% reduction in PM concentrations from 2017 levels, the revised target may at least encourage the corresponding states to step up their ambition through city-based action plans under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
While briefing about the revised goals, the Environment Ministry official affirmed that a minimum 40% decrease is required from the states. “We believe many cities can achieve much higher cuts, such as seen in Varanasi, which recorded the highest 53% reduction in PM10 levels in 2021-22 (over 2017 levels)," the official added.
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