The National Clean Air Programme

How India's 2019 National Clean Air Programme set targets to cut particulate pollution in over 130 cities, how funds are tied to results, and what progress has been made.

In January 2019, India launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Targets

Initially, a 20 to 30 percent reduction in particulate pollution by 2024 from 2017 levels in non-attainment cities.
Later revised to up to 40 percent reduction in PM10 by 2025-26.

Coverage

Over 130 cities that failed to meet air standards.

Funding

Cities receive funds, including from the Fifteenth Finance Commission, linked to performance in improving air quality.

Measures

Road dust control and paving.
Waste management.
Public transport and electric buses.
Industrial emission controls.

Progress

Many cities recorded some improvement in PM10.
Critics note much spending went to dust control rather than major sources like industry and vehicles.
NCAP isn’t legally binding.

Lesson

National targets need enforcement and focus on the biggest sources.

The road sweeper

A city uses NCAP funds to buy mechanical road sweepers and water sprinklers to reduce road dust.

Thinking programme launch equals clean air

Progress depends on enforcement and targeting sources.

Key takeaways

NCAP launched in January 2019.
It targets over 130 cities.
Funding is linked to performance.
Critics say it focused too much on dust.