Question raised in Lok Sabha on States Affected by Air Pollution, 15/12/2017
Question raised in Lok Sabha on States Affected by Air Pollution, 15/12/2017. The Government has notified National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) which lays the norms for air pollutants in the Country. The NAAQS have been developed taking into account global standards. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors the ambient air quality at 691 monitoring stations located in 303 cities/towns covering 29 states and 6 union territories across the country under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). Under NAMP, three air pollutants viz., Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter size equal to or less than 10 micron (PM10) are being monitored at all the locations. On the basis of data monitored during 2011-2015, the list of 94 nonattainment cities covering 20 States and 2 Union Territories which have not conformed to National Ambient Air Quality Standards consistently are annexed at Annexure-I. Concerned SPCBs have been asked to prepare action plan for these non-attainment cities. Apart from this, CPCB has issued directions under section 18 (1) (b) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 to these States and Union Territories for prevention, control and abatement or air pollution and improvement of Air Quality in the country. The short-term and long-term measures suggested to the States, as per directions issued under Section 18(1)(b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 are annexed at Annexure-II. The statewise details of funds released to States and other monitoring agencies during last three years and current year under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) are given at Annexure-III.