DC Srinagar reviews progress of City Action Plan under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

Threadbare discussion held on Rs 33.0 Cr NCAP action Plan for FY 2022-23

Status of updation of pollution data on PRANA Portal also reviewed

SRINAGAR MARCH 09:- A Meeting of District Level Implementation Committee on National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was held today under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.

Besides, Regional Director, Pollution Control Board, Kashmir, Rafi Ahmad Bhat, SP Traffic, Tariq Ahmad and Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, the meeting was attended by DFO Urban, Chief Sanitation Officer, DFO City Forests, District Floriculture Officer, District Officer Pollution Control Board, ARTO and other Engineers & Officers from SMC, FCS&CA,

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner sought first hand appraisal about Implementation Status of City Action Plan under National Clean Air Programme(NCAP) being executed in Srinagar aimed at 25% reduction in PM10 levels by 2025 to improve Air Quality Index in the District.

During the meeting other aspects under NCAP were also discussed threadbare including Annual Action Plan with Micro Detailing for 2022-23, Development of Green spaces, Source Apportionment and Emission inventory studies, progress on Hot Spot Action Plan, Data updation on PRANA Portal and Expediting Utilization of Funds under the project etc.

 On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner was apprised that Annual Action Plan with Micro Detailing for 2022-23 has been completed and Draft Action Plan(Part-2) of Rs 8.95 crores stands submitted, in addition to Tentative Financial Plan for Rs 33 Crores under NCAP for FY 2022-23.

The DC was also informed that the process regarding updation of Data on PRANA Portal has been completed.

While reviewing the progress on the Action Plan for Hot Spots, the DC was informed that 5 locations have been identified in different parts of the City including Jehangir Chowk, Batamaloo, Soura near SKIMS, TRC Crossing Dalgate and Panthachowk.  It was given out that matter with regard to Source Apportionment and Emission inventory studies taken up with the Member Secretary of J&K PCC.

Regarding Development of Green spaces, the DC was informed that DPR has been prepared by SMC for Road side fencing along Bye-pass Road.

The DC was also informed that Rs 3.8 crore have been expended so far against the total Rs 24.35 crore funds released under NCAP in the District.

While reviewing the progress on installation of fountains at important heavy traffic volume intersections to reduce the environmental pollution, the DC was informed that over 90 percent of works has been completed on installation of fountains at Sonwar, Hzratbal, Batmaloo, Bemina and near SMHS Hospital.

The DC was also given a detailed brief about financial implication of activities under NCAP for FY 2022-23 including creating green zones with mass plantation/mountain plantation, Roadside Plantation in medians or adjacent to roads,

paving of Earthen shoulders along the Urban roads, IEC activities to promote awareness regarding Air Pollution Control in Srinagar City, procurement of 2 Mechanical Road Sweepers with O&M for 2 years, installation of C&D plant (60 TPD) Plantation of Vertical Planters at Piers of bridges/flyovers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner asked all line Departments to take proactive actions in implementing the City Action Plan and providing any information/data related to filling of details on PRANA Portal of MoEF&CC/CPCB for Compliance under NCAP.

The DC urged the Officers to lay special thrust on IEC activities and asked them to ensure active involvement of Eco Clubs in the awareness campaign on mass scale to sensitize the people about ill effects of air pollution. He also stressed on effective implementation of an action plan for control & abatement of air pollution.

The DC also emphasized on proactive actions and proper coordination among the line Departments in better implementation of the City Action Plan under NCAP. He asked all the line Departments to work in unison to prepare a concrete Action plan for the year 2023-24 at the earliest. 

With regard to launching of plantation drive in City to increase green cover to attain better Air Quality Index in years ahead, the DC stressed on undertaking plantation in Zewan and Khonmoh areas particularly in stone quarry/mining affected areas and barren patches so that green cover is increased to these affected areas with visible impact.

The DC also asked the SMC authorities to make recently procured Sweeping Machines Operational in the City parts to improve the Air quality in the District.

During the meeting, the DC also directed for the constitution of sub Committees for effective implementation and monitoring of different components under NCAP.

Earlier, Scientist B, CPCB gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and Stakeholder wise key action points were elaborated.