Maharashtra NCAP Cities Struggle with Air Pollution Targets
Maharashtra, one of India’s most industrially and economically advanced states, has made considerable strides in addressing air pollution, particularly through its participation in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). With 19 cities under its ambit, including major urban centres like Mumbai and Pune, the state has seen a mixed response to air quality improvement targets. However, while Mumbai and Pune have led the way with significant reductions in particulate matter (PM10), many smaller cities in the state are still grappling with air pollution levels that exceed national standards, indicating that much remains to be done in the fight for cleaner air.
As of 2024, all 19 cities in Maharashtra covered under the NCAP failed to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, which mandates an annual average concentration of no more than 60 µg/m³. Despite various initiatives, each city exceeded these limits, demonstrating the ongoing challenges in improving air quality. While some cities have made notable progress, others have seen PM10 levels rise, underscoring the disparity in air quality management and implementation across the state.
Among the cities that made improvements, Mumbai stands out with a 46% reduction in PM10 concentration from the baseline year (2017-18), the highest in the state. Following Mumbai are Thane (33%), Badlapur (32%), and Ulhasnagar (32%), all of which have managed to significantly reduce pollution levels. Such progress is commendable, given the rapid urbanisation and vehicular growth in these areas, highlighting the impact of concerted efforts by local authorities and residents. However, despite these improvements, these cities still exceed the 60 µg/m³ threshold, pointing to the persistent air pollution problem.
On the other hand, several cities such as Jalgaon, Aurangabad, Navi Mumbai, Solapur, Jalna, and Kolhapur saw an increase in PM10 levels when compared to the baseline year, with Jalgaon emerging as a concerning hotspot. Even in cities that showed improvement, the air quality remains well above acceptable levels, signifying that the changes, while positive, have not been enough to bring the cities in line with national standards. Virar, another key city under NCAP, showed no progress in improving its PM10 concentration, which remained stagnant at 99 µg/m³, exactly where it stood in 2017-18.
The road ahead is steep for Maharashtra’s NCAP cities. The state faces a unique challenge in balancing rapid urbanisation with environmental sustainability. While urban centres like Mumbai and Pune have benefitted from increased green cover, better traffic management, and stricter industrial regulations, smaller cities are struggling with a lack of infrastructure, resources, and public awareness about the importance of air quality. The rise in industrial activity, coupled with growing traffic and agricultural burning in certain regions, further exacerbates pollution levels.
In terms of sustainability, Maharashtra’s fight against air pollution is a reflection of a larger issue facing India’s rapidly urbanising population. With the climate crisis becoming increasingly pressing, the quality of air in urban environments plays a pivotal role in shaping public health outcomes. To achieve long-term sustainability, the state must focus on strengthening policy enforcement, increasing the number of monitoring stations, and promoting sustainable urban planning. A multi-pronged approach, including the use of green technologies and widespread citizen awareness, will be crucial in achieving the NCAP goals and securing a healthier future for the state.
The push for cleaner air in Maharashtra’s NCAP cities is a work in progress, and the future will depend on how effectively urban planners, policy-makers, and citizens collaborate to curb pollution and pave the way for a sustainable urban environment.