NCAP evaluations conducted in 2020 and 2025, but no specific findings released

The question asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to provide details on cities exceeding air quality standards, the effectiveness and funding of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), independent evaluations, and measures for emission control and monitoring.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Adv Priya Saroj; Answered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav).

What the government said

• NCAP covers 130 non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities in 24 States/UTs.
• Source Apportionment studies were carried out in 119 cities.
• A performance-based incentive grant of Rs. 16423.56 crore was provided to 130 cities during FY 2019-20 to 2025-26.
• In 2025-26, 108 cities recorded reductions in PM10 concentrations compared to 2017-18.
• 72 cities achieved PM10 reductions of more than 20%, and 26 cities achieved reductions of more than 40%.
• 14 cities met National Ambient Air Quality Standards in FY 2025-26, compared to 6 cities in 2017-18.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued 101 Statutory Directions and 17 Advisories/executive orders.
• Air Quality Index (AQI) is disseminated in real-time in 292 cities via the SAMEER portal and app.
• CPCB directed 17 categories of highly polluting industries to install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS).
• Independent evaluations of the Control of Pollution Scheme (including NCAP) were conducted in December 2020 and August 2025.

Also in the document

• The answer states that independent evaluations were conducted in December 2020 and August 2025, but does not provide the specific findings or report details beyond a general observation of 'measurable progress'.
• The answer provides city-wise fund data for FY 2023-24 to 2025-26, but the question asked for data for the 'last three years' without specifying the exact fiscal years, implying the provided range is the government's interpretation of the timeframe.
• The answer notes that utilization of funds includes utilization of funds released in previous financial years, which may affect the interpretation of annual utilization figures.