To enhance the air quality in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar, the UT Apex Committee convened a crucial meeting to evaluate the progress of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the meeting aimed to assess the effectiveness of measures implemented thus far and to reinforce commitment towards achieving the set targets under this national initiative.
Key Points Discussed
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired the meeting, which was attended by several high-ranking officials including ACS of the Forest Department, Divisional Commissioners, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Secretary of Transport, Commissioners of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), along with other concerned officers.
During the deliberations, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the importance of prioritizing efforts to improve air quality in both cities as outlined in the NCAP. He urged city administrations to demonstrate unwavering commitment towards meeting the prescribed targets, stressing the significance of this issue for public health and well-being.
Dulloo also reviewed the expenditure incurred under the NCAP so far and emphasized the need to expedite ongoing projects to ensure their completion within the current financial year. He directed officials to accelerate tendering processes and other preliminary tasks to facilitate the execution of additional projects under the programme.
Importance of Clean Air
Highlighting the significance of clean air for urban living, Chief Secretary Dulloo underscored the pivotal role of initiatives such as enhancing green spaces and adopting eco-friendly practices in improving overall quality of life. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to effectively implement the NCAP and achieve tangible results in mitigating air pollution.
Overview of National Clean Air Programme
ACS of Forests, Dheeraj Gupta, provided an overview of the NCAP, highlighting its objective to improve air quality in Non-attainment Cities. He explained that the programme identifies baseline parameters and sets targets for cities to achieve in order to meet national ambient air quality standards.
Gupta informed the committee that significant funds amounting to Rs 94.60 crore have been allocated to municipal bodies in the twin cities to implement interventions aimed at improving air quality. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of air quality monitoring stations and the real-time dissemination of air quality data to the public through various platforms.
Conclusion
The meeting of the UT Apex Committee on the NCAP underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of air pollution in urban areas. With concerted efforts and coordinated action, stakeholders aim to achieve tangible improvements in air quality, thereby safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable development in the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
