The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a significant initiative launched by the Indian government aimed at improving air quality across the country. The program specifically targets the reduction of air pollution to improve the health and well-being of citizens.
The central focus of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is on controlling and reducing the concentrations of particulate matter. Based on extensive research and health impact assessments, the program identifies the following two pollutants as the primary targets:
These particulate matter pollutants are chosen because they pose significant risks to human health. Due to their small size:
NCAP aims to achieve a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, considering 2017 as the baseline year.
| Pollutant Focus | Description |
|---|---|
| PM2.5 | Fine particulate matter (airborne particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less) |
| PM10 | Coarser particulate matter (airborne particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) |
Therefore, PM2.5 and PM10 are the key pollutants that the National Clean Air Programme prioritizes for mitigation efforts to ensure cleaner air.