67% funds under clean air plan used for clearing dust

Lack of SA studies has impacted funding patterns. A sum of `11,211 crore has been released between 2019-2025. In absence of clarity on pollutant sources, a disproportionate 67% of the funds was allocated to road dust management, while industries, domestic fuel, and public outreach received 1% each. Capacity building and monitoring accounted for only 4% of the funds.The CREA report, ‘Tracing the Hazy Air 2025’, raised the issue of “lack of transparency” and questioned “data integrity” in tracking and reporting air quality in cities. The government has set up two types of monitoring stations – automatic station known as Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) and manual system called National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP).The analysis finds that in the past five years, the number of CAAQMS increased from 165 to 558 whereas NAMP increased from 731 to 966. The report points out that NCAP misses a critical health component and primarily focuses on PM10, missing out on reducing PM2.5, which poses greater risk.



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