National Clean Air Programme: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has told the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to make some changes to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). This program aims to cut down air pollution by 20-30% by 2024.
Key Points
- It was launched by the MoEFCC in January 2019.
- It is the first-ever effort in the country to frame a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.
- It seeks to cut the concentration of coarse (particulate matter of diameter 10 micrometer or less, or PM10) and fine particles (particulate matter of diameter 2.5 micrometer or less, or PM2.5) by at least 20% in the next five years, with 2017 as the base year for comparison.
- The plan includes 102 non-attainment cities, across 23 states and Union territories, which were identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the basis of their ambient air quality data between 2011 and 2015.
- Non-attainment cities: These are those that have fallen short of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for over five years.
NCAP Initiatives
The initiatives under NCAP are listed below:
- The National Air Quality Monitoring Network will be augmented.
- Air Quality Management Plan for the cities chosen.
- Indoor Air Pollution Monitoring & Management.
- National Emission Inventory – this is an inventory of the quantity of pollutants discharged into the air.
- Network of Technical Institutions.
- Technology Assessment Cell.
- International cooperation including the sharing of best practices with respect to abatement of air pollution.
National Green Tribunal
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a special body established under the National Green Tribunal Act of 2010. Its main purpose is to efficiently handle and resolve cases related to environmental protection and the conservation of forests and natural resources.
- The creation of NGT is inspired by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to a healthy environment.
- NGT has the authority to deal with matters involving “substantial questions related to the environment” and instances of environmental damage caused by specific activities.
- In its proceedings, NGT adheres to the principles of Natural Justice, ensuring fairness and impartiality.
- One noteworthy feature is that NGT is required to finalize the disposal of applications or appeals within six months of filing.
- NGT holds its sittings in five different places, with New Delhi serving as the principal location. The other four locations are Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
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