In search of a blue sky

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.