Congress Calls India's Air Pollution a 'Structural Crisis'
Congress says air pollution is a structural crisis, government response inadequate.
Photo by Chris LeBoutillier
Key Facts
44% of Indian cities suffer from chronic air pollution
1,787 out of 4,041 towns have chronic air pollution
Only 130 cities covered under NCAP
NCAP budget is ₹10,500 crores
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology, Pollution
Link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Potential for questions on government policies and programs
Visual Insights
Chronic Air Pollution in Indian Cities (2019-2024)
Map showing the distribution of cities with chronic air pollution across India, based on PM2.5 levels exceeding national standards. Data from CREA report.
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Key Air Pollution Statistics in India (2026)
Dashboard highlighting key statistics related to air pollution in India, based on recent reports and data.
- Cities with Chronic Air Pollution
- 44%+2%
- Non-Attainment Cities under NCAP
- 132
- NCAP Target Reduction by 2026
- 40%
Percentage of Indian cities exceeding national air quality standards for PM2.5 over five years (2019-2024, excluding 2020). Highlights the widespread nature of the problem.
Number of cities identified under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as not meeting national air quality standards. Focuses government efforts.
Revised target for reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations under NCAP by 2026, using 2017 as the base year. Shows ambition of the program.
More Information
Background
The issue of air pollution in India has deep historical roots, stemming from the industrial revolution and subsequent urbanization. While concerns about air quality were raised as early as the 1970s, comprehensive national-level policies were lacking. Early efforts primarily focused on localized pollution control in industrial areas.
The 1981 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was a significant step, but its implementation faced challenges due to limited resources and enforcement capacity. The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s led to rapid industrial growth and increased vehicular traffic, further exacerbating air pollution. The introduction of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2009 marked a shift towards a more comprehensive monitoring and regulatory framework, setting permissible levels for various pollutants.
However, the effectiveness of these standards has been debated, with many cities consistently exceeding the prescribed limits.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increased focus on addressing air pollution through initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aiming for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024 (baseline 2017). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas was established in 2020 to coordinate efforts across states. The adoption of BS-VI emission norms for vehicles in 2020 was a significant step towards reducing vehicular emissions.
However, challenges remain in terms of effective implementation, monitoring, and enforcement. Future outlook involves greater emphasis on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable urban planning. There is also a growing recognition of the need for public awareness campaigns and community participation to address air pollution effectively.
The Union Budget 2023-24 allocated funds for promoting green growth and sustainable development, indicating a continued commitment to tackling environmental challenges.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): 1. It aims for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, using 2017 as the baseline year. 2. All cities exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are covered under NCAP. 3. NCAP is a statutory body established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct as NCAP aims for 20-30% reduction by 2024 using 2017 as baseline. Statement 2 is correct as NCAP covers cities exceeding NAAQS. Statement 3 is incorrect as NCAP is not a statutory body.
2. Which of the following is NOT a primary source of PM2.5 emissions in India? A) Industrial emissions B) Vehicular exhaust C) Agricultural burning D) Ocean Spray
- A.Industrial emissions
- B.Vehicular exhaust
- C.Agricultural burning
- D.Ocean Spray
Show Answer
Answer: D
Industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and agricultural burning are major sources of PM2.5 emissions in India. Ocean spray, while contributing to particulate matter in coastal areas, is not a primary source of PM2.5 pollution.
3. Assertion (A): Air pollution in India is increasingly recognized as a 'structural crisis' requiring systemic reforms. Reason (R): A significant number of Indian cities consistently exceed national air quality standards, and the current policy framework has proven inadequate. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true, but R is false
- D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why air pollution is considered a structural crisis in India. The consistent exceedance of air quality standards and the inadequacy of the current policy framework necessitate systemic reforms.
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