Focus on Multi-Sectoral Pollution ControlResponding to criticism that the government’s air pollution control strategy focuses too heavily on road dust over other major sources, Singh said the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, addresses all major contributors including industrial emissions, vehicles, biomass burning, waste, and construction dust.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 130 non-attainment cities, cities that have failed to meet national air quality standards for five years and prepared specific clean air action plans for each.“These plans target local sources of pollution and include both short- and long-term strategies in coordination with local agencies,” Singh said.He cited source apportionment studies under NCAP showing that road dust and construction activities contribute 40–50% of PM10 levels in urban areas.As a result, cities have prioritised road improvement, traffic management, junction redesign, and greening of open spaces.Funding for Pollution Control MeasuresThe Minister also said that performance-based grants are being provided to local bodies in the 130 identified cities under both the Central Sector Scheme ‘Control of Pollution’ and the 15th Finance Commission’s air quality grants.“As of July 20, 2025, Rs 13,036.52 crore has been released to these cities since 2019–20, with Rs 9,209.44 crore already utilised,” he said.(With inputs from PTI)
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