How many cities/towns of Uttarakhand have been included in the National Clean Air Programme ?

The correct answer is 3.

Key Points

• Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), three cities/towns of Uttarakhand have been identified for air quality improvement initiatives.
• The cities included are Dehradun, Kashipur, and Rishikesh, which are considered critical in terms of air pollution levels.
• The NCAP was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019 to improve air quality across India.
• It aims for a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels by 2024, compared to 2017 levels.
• The initiative includes collaborative efforts with state governments, urban local bodies, and other stakeholders to achieve the desired air quality improvements.

Additional Information

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
  • The NCAP is India's first-ever national framework for air quality management.
  • It is a time-bound national-level strategy aimed at tackling air pollution in a systematic manner.
  • The program focuses on 122 cities identified as non-attainment cities under the scheme.
  • These cities fail to meet the prescribed national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS).
• Air Pollution Terminologies
  • PM10: Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, mainly caused by dust and smoke.
  • PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, often linked to combustion activities.
  • NAAQS: National Ambient Air Quality Standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Impact of Air Pollution
  • Air pollution is a leading cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases worldwide.
  • It can lead to reduced agricultural yields due to crop damage.
  • Long-term exposure to polluted air can cause premature mortality.
• Mitigation Measures
  • Promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Implementing better traffic management systems to reduce vehicular emissions.
  • Encouraging waste segregation and proper disposal to minimize open burning.