Context:
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has released the State Action Plan 2026 for the National Capital Region (NCR) aiming to reduce particulate pollution levels through monitoring expansion and transport interventions.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative / Policy Details
- The plan aims to reduce:
- PM2.5 levels by 15%
- PM10 levels by 20%
- City-specific action plans have been prepared for:
- Noida
- Greater Noida
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Alwar
Air Quality Monitoring Expansion
- The number of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in Delhi will increase:
- From 40 stations to 46 stations by January 2026.
Monitoring and Regulatory Measures
- Audits of existing monitoring stations are underway.
- Expansion of online continuous emission monitoring systems (OCEMS) in industrial units.
Transport and Mobility Interventions
- Major focus on reducing pollution through:
- Expansion of Delhi Metro network
- Namo Bharat (RRTS) regional rapid transit system
- Improved public transport infrastructure.
Current Pollution Situation
- According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA):
- Ghaziabad recorded PM2.5 levels of 184 µg/m³.
- Delhi recorded PM2.5 levels of 169 µg/m³, making it the second most polluted city in January.
Performance under National Clean Air Programme
- Delhi has achieved 16% reduction in PM10, falling short of the 22% target under NCAP.
Institutional Strengthening
- Pollution Control Boards are being strengthened with most sanctioned posts filled to improve enforcement.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
- Responsible for air pollution control in Delhi-NCR and surrounding states.
- PM2.5
- Particulate matter ≤2.5 micrometers in diameter.
- Can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health issues.
- PM10
- Particulate matter ≤10 micrometers in diameter.
- Includes dust, pollen, and smoke particles.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- Aims to reduce particulate pollution by 20–30% by 2024 (baseline year 2017) in non-attainment cities.
- CAAQMS
- Stations that continuously monitor ambient air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃.
- Namo Bharat (RRTS)
- Regional Rapid Transit System designed to provide high-speed rail connectivity across NCR.
Relevant Mains Points:
Air Pollution Challenges in India
- Health Impacts
- Air pollution contributes to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular illnesses, and premature deaths.
- Urbanization and Transport Emissions
- Rapid urban growth and increased vehicular emissions are major contributors.
- Industrial and Construction Pollution
- Emissions from industries, construction dust, and waste burning worsen urban air quality.
- Governance and Monitoring Gaps
- Limited monitoring infrastructure and enforcement capacity affect pollution control efforts.
Significance of the CAQM Action Plan
- Promotes scientific monitoring and data-driven policy interventions.
- Encourages regional coordination across NCR states.
- Integrates transport infrastructure with pollution mitigation strategies.
Way Forward
- Accelerate transition to clean energy and electric mobility.
- Strengthen industrial emission regulations.
- Promote urban green infrastructure and dust management.
- Enhance inter-state coordination for regional pollution control.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper III – Environment and Ecology
- Air pollution management
- Environmental governance
- GS Paper II – Governance
- Institutional mechanisms for environmental regulation