The Union government is likely to introduce a new scheme to provide subsidies of around 30-40% to polluting industries in the National Capital Region (NCR) to install air pollution control devices (APCDs), people aware of the matter said on Friday. The industries will be asked to fund the remaining cost as part of measures to tackle pollution ahead of the winter.
The new scheme will complement the Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivisation of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions (Parivartan) scheme. The Union Cabinet approved the Parivartan scheme in June to accelerate the replacement of Bharat Stage (BS)-IV and older trucks and buses in the NCR with cleaner BS-VI or electric vehicles. The new scheme is likely to be named Swacch Pawan Neel Gagan and will also involve multiple ministries. The funds will be routed through the National Capital Region Planning Board under the Union housing and urban affairs ministry. The Union environment, forest and climate change ministry will handle the institutional implementation.
A 30-40% discount is offered on newer vehicle costs under the scheme. The new scheme would not require Cabinet approval as it is below the ₹ 1,000 crore threshold.
“The [ ₹ 600 crore] scheme…has received Expenditure Finance Committee approval and is awaiting final clearances,” said an official officer involved with its implementation. The official said the data from Air Quality Index (AQI) sensors will be used for targeted enforcement and temporarily shut down polluting units if needed.
Authorities are also working with civic and development agencies to address road dust, another focus ahead of winter. “Often there are open or barren patches on the edges of the road and pavements. They are contributing to fugitive dust. Petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG stations have been directed to deny fuel to vehicles without a valid PUCC.
The Union government is coordinating with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Development Authority and around 10 civic authorities of NCR cities to undertake road remediation.
The work is being undertaken from regular maintenance budgets,” the official said. Some of these measures include a “no Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), no fuel” rule. Union environment minister Bhupendra Yadav and Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday chaired a meeting to discuss measures to curb pollution during the winter.
