Why in news? Grants for Bengaluru under NCAP released

What Is NCAP?

• National-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner
• Launched by the central government in 2019
• AIM – To achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration
• Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the Air Quality data from 2014-2018.
• The city-specific action plans have been prepared which include measures for strengthening the monitoring network, reducing vehicular or industrial emissions, increasing public awareness, etc

What has been given to Bengaluru?

• Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) share
  • To improve junctions, develop footpaths, create nurseries and parks
  • To procure sweeping machines, water tankers, sprinklers, to build bus bays, and renovate footpaths, among other works
  • Building of the controversial waste transfer station in the current action plan
  • Buy 250 electric vehicles for use by marshals who monitor activities related to solid waste.
• Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has got funds to buy electric buses
• Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has also received share
• Some of the projects taken up under this grant include creating depots for electric buses, procuring double-decker electric vehicles, mechanical sweeper machines, and paved footpaths, among others
• Urban Development Department (UDD) technical committee has prepared a micro action plan for eight works and sent to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) for approval