Delhi Chokes: Only 17% Clean Air Funds Used, Pollution Worsens Despite Spending

• Delhi utilized only Rs 14 crore out of Rs 81 crore released under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) since 2020-21, a mere 17% of allocated funds.
• The entire utilized amount was spent by MCD and NDMC on dust control, sprinklers, and C&D waste, neglecting other major pollution sources.
• Despite spending on dust mitigation, PM10 levels increased from 192µg/m3 in FY 19-20 to 213µg/m3 in FY 24-25.
• Delhi government continues to rely on an outdated 2018 source apportionment study, ignoring newer findings on pollution sources.
• NCAP aims to reduce PM10 concentrations by up to 40% by 2025-26, but Delhi consistently failed to meet performance criteria for full funding.

Why It Matters: Delhi's severe air pollution crisis is exacerbated by poor utilization of clean air funds and misplaced spending priorities.