Dehradun, The Gati Foundation welcomed the decision to include the city of Dehradun in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) of the Central Government. NCAP is the most ambitious programme of the government to tackle the worsening air quality in the country.
Cities included in the NCAP need to commit to reduce their air pollution levels by 20 to 30% by 2024 compared to the baseline levels from 2017. To accomplish this objective, cities need to come out with air pollution abatement action plans. A slew of measures including detailed city-wide source appointment studies are needed for the NCAP.
Currently, 102 cities were a part of the NCAP including the cities of Rishikesh and Kashipur from Uttarakhand. With the inclusion of 20 new cities from eight states in the country, Dehradun, with much higher pollution levels than Rishikesh and Kashipur, is finally a part of NCAP.
Data from Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board clearly indicates that the air pollution levels for PM 10 in Dehradun are three to five times higher than the national standards. The monitoring stations at ISBT, Clock Tower and Raipur measure the air quality in the city. Air pollution levels are considerably lower both in Rishikesh and Kashipur as compared to Dehradun.
Gati Foundation believes that the inclusion of Dehradun in NCAP will facilitate better inter departmental coordination and abatement efforts will receive a boost. With increased participation from citizens supported by authorities, the city of Dehradun can hope for cleaner air in the coming days.
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