Maharashtra’s NCAP Cities Struggle to Meet Air Pollution Targets: Mumbai and Pune Lead, But Challenges Remain

1. Maharashtra’s NCAP cities, including Mumbai and Pune, are struggling to meet air pollution targets set by the National Clean Air Programme.
2. While some cities have shown improvements in PM10 levels, overall progress indicates challenges in achieving ambitious goals.
3. In 2024, all 19 NCAP cities in Maharashtra exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM10.
4. Cities like Jalgaon, Aurangabad, Navi Mumbai, and others saw an increase in PM10 levels, while cities like Mumbai and Thane achieved significant reductions.
5. Maharashtra received funds for NCAP implementation, but only 63% of the funds were utilized, falling short of the 75% benchmark.
6. Nine cities in Maharashtra reported fund utilization below the required benchmark, hindering progress in meeting air pollution targets.
7. Only 8 out of 19 cities in Maharashtra have completed source apportionment studies to identify pollution contributors, delaying targeted interventions.
8. Expert Manoj Kumar highlighted the challenges in achieving the 40% reduction target in PM10 levels within the next two years.
9. Recommendations include expediting source apportionment studies, aligning fund utilization with targeted interventions, and strengthening local action plans.
10. While cities like Mumbai and Pune have made progress, the majority of NCAP cities in Maharashtra face challenges in meeting air pollution targets, emphasizing the need for strategic interventions and customized solutions.

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