New Delhi, August 11 — Despite receiving more than ₹13,000 crore under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) since 2019, Delhi has spent only 22% of the funds, leaving its battle against toxic air far from won.
The capital’s air remains three times dirtier than the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre for PM10 pollution particles. In the past six years, Delhi has managed to cut PM10 levels by just 15%. By comparison, Mumbai reduced its PM10 by 44% and Kolkata by 37% over the same period.
Experts say Delhi’s slow progress is worrying, especially as the city experiments with costly short-term measures like artificial rain before winter to curb smog. “Such steps show desperation, not long-term planning,” one environmentalist noted.
The NCAP was launched to bring PM10 and PM2.5 levels within safe limits by 2024, but with deadlines extended and uneven spending across states, the goal still looks distant.
Residents continue to face severe health risks from polluted air, including breathing problems, heart disease, and reduced immunity, especially among children and the elderly. With winter months approaching when pollution spikes sharply Delhi’s challenge to clear its skies is only set to grow.