Sanjeev Gupta, New Delhi. Delhi has recorded a 16 percent reduction in the levels of ultra-fine particulate matter PM10 during the financial year 2021-22 to 2024-25 under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). However, this reduction is six percent less than the fixed target of 22 percent. This figure was calculated with reference to the base year of 2017-18, according to which the annual average concentration of PM 10 in Delhi declined from 241 micrograms per cubic meter in 2017-18 to 203 micrograms per cubic meter in FY 2024-25.
Will reduce pollution caused by industrial sources
Delhi is one of the 130 cities that come under the National Clean Air Programme. It is a long-term strategy that aims to improve air quality by reducing pollution from vehicles, road dust, construction work, garbage burning and industrial sources. Under NCAP, cities will have to either achieve 40 per cent reduction in PM10 levels or meet the national air quality standard of 60 micrograms per cubic meter by 2025-26.
achieved a reduction of more than 40 percent
In its assessment, the central government reported that air quality in 103 cities improved during FY 2024-25 compared to the base level of 2017-18, while no improvement was recorded in 27 cities. So far, 22 cities have met the national PM10 standards, and 25 cities have achieved reduction of more than 40 percent.
According to the Central Government, so far Rs 13,784.68 crore has been released towards pollution control measures under the said programme. Also, steps are being taken to continue NCAP beyond March 31, 2026.
PM 10 level increases due to these reasons
PM10 (particles 10 micrometers or smaller) comes from many sources. These mainly include dust from construction and demolition work, road and agricultural dust, industrial emissions, combustion of fossil fuels, garbage and bush fires and dust storms, which add to the air pollution.
PM 10 level reduced due to these efforts
Many schemes are underway to reduce PM 10 in Delhi. These include strict rules on vehicles (BS VI, electric), dust control at construction sites, large-scale tree plantation (70 lakh trees), anti-smog guns, paving of roads and action against polluting industries.
Plan to reduce it further in future
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), through a series of directions/advisories and orders since its inception in the year 2021, has initiated several policy measures and ground actions to reduce air pollution in Delhi. Delhi Government also claims that with sustained efforts at the grassroots level and targeted policy initiatives to achieve concrete results in the short/medium/long term, the air quality scenario will see a gradual but significant improvement year on year.
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