In an aim to provide clean air, the government launched ‘National Clean Air Programme’ (NCAP) few years ago which brought 132 Indian cities under its ambit. The objective was to keep a close eyes on these cities to improve air quality. However, a recent analysis of PM2.5 level by the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), a watchdog body on environment, has found there is barely any difference in the pollution levels between NCAP and non-NCAP cities. In west India, non-NCAP cities on an average are more polluted. In the north, non-NCAP cities on an average are marginally more polluted. In the east and south, NCAP cities are significantly more polluted.
