New Delhi: As many as 82 knowledge partners have been roped in for implementation of action plans to curb air pollution in 132 cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), in which representatives of State Pollution Control Boards, Urban Local Bodies and Institutes of Repute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.
The Environment Ministry informed that the city action plans have been prepare to control specific air pollution sources through multi-dimensional actions and bringing several implementation Agencies together.
Expansion of ambient air quality network, source apportionment studies, public awareness, grievance redressal mechanism and sector-specific action points are part of these plans.
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While addressing the event, Javadekar urged the State Government and all the concerned authorities to work together for improving the air quality of highly polluted cities of India, in a mission mode.
He asserted the need for procuring e-buses by the states for public transport purpose, which was being sanctioned under the FAME scheme.
"Despite the allocation of funds for 6003 buses to different cities across the country only 600 buses have been procured and are operational. I've written a letter to different States about this matter. If any city fails to utilize the funds sanctioned for procurement of e-buses the allocation will go to other cities," the Union Minister asserted.
The National Knowledge Network comprises of air quality specialists and has been constituted as a technical advisory group to support activities under NCAP and guide local Institutes Of Repute in conducting their quality researches.
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