Why in news
- India observed Swachh Vayu Diwas on September 7, aligning with the UN International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
- The Ministry of Environment reviewed progress across 130 non-attainment cities targeted under NCAP.
Key terms
Non-Attainment Cities
Cities that consistently fail to meet national ambient air quality standards over a 5-year period.
What is NCAP?
- National-level strategy launched in 2019 to reduce particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by 20–30% by 2024 (later revised to 40% by 2026) taking 2017 as the base year.
- Covers 130 non-attainment cities that systematically violated National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Implementation Strategy & Progress
- Engages Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as first responders for enforcing Solid Waste Management Rules and Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules.
- In FY 2025–26, 108 cities recorded lower PM10 levels compared to 2017–18, with 72 cities achieving over 20% reduction.
Prelims facts
- NCAP targets non-attainment cities using 2017 as the baseline year for PM reduction.
Mains discussion
- Role of Urban Local Bodies in managing localized urban pollution sources.
Source: PIB English
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.