Thick smog engulfs major Indian cities, prompting Congress stalwart Jairam Ramesh to unleash a blistering critique of the National Clean Air Programme. ‘NCAP has become kagazi – purely on paper,’ he asserted, charging the government with betraying public trust on one of India’s gravest health crises.
Data paints a grim picture. The Central Pollution Control Board’s latest bulletin shows 39 of India’s most polluted cities failing NCAP targets. PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations hover dangerously high, fueled by traffic, construction dust, and crop residue burning.
Ramesh detailed the program’s shortcomings: Action plans submitted by cities are generic templates, lacking tailored strategies. Grievance redressal mechanisms exist only in name, and public participation is minimal. ‘This is not governance; it’s greenwashing,’ he remarked.
Recalling global benchmarks, he contrasted India’s efforts with China’s aggressive crackdowns, which slashed Beijing’s pollution by half. Domestically, states like Punjab and Haryana cite farmer distress to dodge stubble burning bans, while Delhi’s stubble sensors gather dust.
Health ramifications are dire. The Lancet estimates air pollution shortens Indian lives by 5 years on average. Hospitals overflow with asthma cases, and schools shut amid hazardous AQI. Economists peg annual losses at 3% of GDP.
Congress proposes a multi-pronged fix: Doubling NCAP budget, integrating AI for real-time monitoring, and subsidizing clean energy transitions. Ramesh rallied environmental NGOs and youth activists to the cause.
Government defenders tout GRAP stages and road-sweeping machines, but critics call them superficial. With elections looming, air quality could sway urban voters.
Ramesh’s intervention revives national discourse on sustainable development. Beyond rhetoric, India needs enforceable laws and political will to reclaim breathable air for its 1.4 billion citizens.