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19 Mar 2026
GS Paper 6
UP Special
Q. Explain Air Pollution Control Measures of the state. (125 words) 8
Approach
- Present air pollution data for the state and relevant information in the introduction.
- Enumerate key strategies for air quality improvement.
- Conclude suitably.
Answer:
Introduction
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, faces severe air pollution challenges, impacting public health and economic growth. With 16.5% of India’s population, it also records the highest PAH emissions (14.23%) in the Indo-Gangetic plains. To tackle pollution, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 40% by 2026, with 16 Non-Attainment Cities (NACs) in UP requiring urgent intervention.
Body
Key Strategies for Air Quality Improvement
1. Emission Inventories & Source Apportionment Studies (SAS):
a. Lack of actionable data was a major challenge. Micro Action Plans (MAPs), including Lucknow’s replicable model, were developed to address pollution sources.
2. Cost-Effective Science-Driven Actions:
a. Dynamic Emission Inventory (EIs) using IIT-Kanpur’s software is being updated for data accuracy.
3. Airshed Approach & Clean Air Action Plan (UCAP):
a. UP is implementing a scientific airshed-based strategy to reduce PM2.5 from 61 μg/m³ (2019) to 43 μg/m³ by 2030.
4. Air Quality Monitoring Expansion:
a. Reference Grade Monitors (RGLs) are being installed first to improve Low-Cost Sensor (LCS) calibration.
5. Micro-Airsheds & Localized Plans:
a. Delineation of micro-airsheds enables sector-specific targeted actions for pollution control.
6. Financial Mapping & Dedicated Financing:
a. UP is mobilizing multilateral and philanthropic funds beyond XV-FC and NCAP grants.
7. Robust Monitoring & Governance:
a. Virtual monitoring, AI-driven surveillance, and industrial compliance systems are enhancing implementation.
8. Leveraging Technology & Regional Cooperation:
a. Leveraging (Integrated Command and Control Centers) ICCCs for clean air actions.
b. UP is advocating for a coordinated Indo-Gangetic Plain airshed approach.
Conclusion
By integrating sustainable policies, scientific planning, and financial resources, UP aims to achieve its $1 trillion economy goal while combating air pollution effectively.
