Significant Improvement in Air Quality Across Cities Under National Clean Air Programme: Response to MP Garasiya

Udaipur: The central government is implementing multi-level initiatives to control air pollution, with special focus on industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction activities, and solid waste management. Efforts under the **National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)** have led to notable improvements in air quality in several cities.

This information was provided by Union Minister Kirtivardhan Singh in response to a starred question in the Rajya Sabha by MP Chunnilal Garasiya regarding air quality management under NCAP.

The minister stated that **130 cities** were identified under NCAP where air quality standards were not being met. Source-specific action plans have been implemented in these cities to improve air quality. Between 2023 and 2025, several cities recorded severe air pollution levels (AQI 400), with major urban centers like Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida experiencing the highest number of critically polluted days.

Due to government interventions, the results have been encouraging:

* **103 cities** reported a 10% reduction in pollutant concentration
* **64 cities** achieved more than 20% reduction
* **25 cities** achieved more than 40% reduction
* **22 cities** now meet the **National Ambient Air Quality Standards**

To strengthen monitoring, approximately **7,000 industrial units** were equipped with **online continuous emission monitoring systems (OCMES)**. From 2023 to 2025, **412 units** were inspected, of which **252 units were found non-compliant**. Enforcement actions, including closure orders, show-cause notices, and other legal measures, were taken against violators.

In the **Delhi-NCR region**, closure orders were issued for **315 industrial units**, vehicular emission standards (Bharat Stage 6) were enforced, and older vehicles were restricted. Committees at national, state, and city levels have been constituted, and progress is being monitored through a centralized web portal. Additionally, an **Air Quality Management Commission** has been established in Delhi-NCR to oversee effective implementation.