A step has been taken towards making the city free from air pollution by 2031. For this, the Noida Authority has prepared a detailed five-year action plan, which will soon be sent to the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Government of Uttar Pradesh). From there, the action plan will be forwarded to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Targeting A 60 Per cent Reduction In AQI Levels

The main objective of the action plan is to achieve a 40 to 60 per cent reduction in the city's Air Quality Index (AQI). Under this action plan, prepared for improving air quality, a blueprint for the provision of resources has also been drafted. The focus will be particularly on reducing the levels of hazardous pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10.

Funding And Budget Allocation For Pollution Control

The Noida Authority expects that a fund of Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 crore may be released by the central government. This amount will be spent on the action plan to be implemented over the next five years. To reduce air pollution, the Noida Authority received approximately Rs 55 crore in the last financial year under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Of this, around Rs 30 crore has already been spent on resources, while a plan has been prepared to spend the remaining amount in the next two months. After the entire fund is utilised, the Authority is likely to receive funds from the NCAP again in March.

ALSO READ: Noida To Get 530-Meter 'Zero-Shaped' Skywalk: Daily Relief For 8 Lakh Delhi-NCR Commuters

Combatting Severe Winter Pollution In NCR

Like other cities in the NCR, air pollution in Noida also becomes severe every year during the winter. The situation deteriorates to the point where breathing becomes difficult. On several occasions, the AQI level crosses 500. In view of this, the Authority has prepared this detailed action plan for a long-term and effective solution.

ALSO READ: Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri Bullet Train: How Will High-Speed Rail Corridor Transform Bihar Connectivity?

Key Measures: Anti-Smog Guns And Waste Management

Authority General Manager SP Singh stated that several important measures have been included in the action plan. These include:

  • Deployment of anti-smog guns
  • Arrangements to make roads dust-free
  • Puzzle parking systems
  • Training programmes for officials and employees
  • Action plan for the disposal of legacy waste
  • Fest Process Policy
  • Control over diesel generator sets
  • Awareness campaigns
  • Mechanical sweeping
  • Scientific disposal of road dust