Noida and Faridabad among 4 cities failing to complete air pollution source apportionment studies
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Mains·
Environmental governance and pollution mitigation: a GS3 case study on NCAP implementation hurdles.
Why in news
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that four NCR cities, including Noida and Faridabad, have failed to complete air pollution source apportionment studies despite the November 15, 2025 deadline.
Background
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) covers 130 cities across 22 states. As of the recent review, 107 cities have completed studies, while 23 cities (including Noida, Meerut, and Khurja) remain pending, accounting for 17.4% of the total backlog.
Facts for Prelims
- SchemeNCAP: National Clean Air Programme aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) concentrations.
- BodyCPCB: Central Pollution Control Board is the nodal body for monitoring air quality and source apportionment.
- FactUttar Pradesh has the highest number of pending studies with 11 cities.
- FactSource apportionment studies estimate contributions from vehicles, industries, road dust, construction, and biomass burning.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), consider the following statements:
- Uttar Pradesh has 15 cities with pending air pollution source apportionment studies.
- Source apportionment studies estimate contributions from vehicles, industries, and biomass burning.
- The NCAP covers 130 cities across 22 states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: Uttar Pradesh has 11 cities with pending studies.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the institutional and logistical bottlenecks in implementing the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in the National Capital Region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional inertia: Delays in data submission and analysis by state pollution control boards and municipal bodies.
- Data-policy gap: Lack of real-time source apportionment hindering the formulation of targeted emission-reduction strategies.
- Inter-state coordination: Complexity in managing trans-boundary pollution across different state jurisdictions in the NCR.
Keywords: Source Apportionment · Particulate Matter · NCAP · Emission Inventory · Environmental Governance · Pollution Mitigation
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Cyclone Arnab and Murasu cause 7 deaths and ₹4,526 crore damage in Andhra Pradesh · 5 November 2026
- Puducherry restricts firecracker bursting to two hours daily following Supreme Court directive · 4 November 2026
- Madras High Court stays 196-acre transfer to protect elephant migratory path and ecosystem · 4 November 2026
- A "ferocious" El Niño is taking shape and expected to peak in December 2026 · 4 November 2026
- Delhi invokes Stage II Graded Response Action Plan as air quality crosses 300 · 4 November 2026
- Tamil Nadu sanctions ₹1.3 crore to save Bengal foxes and golden jackals · 4 November 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.