Delhi’s Pollution Crisis Deepens as ₹29 Crore Clean Air Fund Lies Idle

Municipal Corporation of Delhi Fails to Utilize ₹29 Crore Air Pollution Fund

Despite receiving over ₹35 crore under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has spent less than ₹7 crore over two years, leaving ₹29 crore untouched—even as Delhi’s air quality remains among the worst globally.

Fund Breakdown FY 2023–24: ₹35.3 crore available; only ₹5.19 crore spent. FY 2024–25: ₹30.8 crore available (including interest); only ₹1.34 crore spent. Total unspent ₹29.5 crore as of March 2025

Promised vs. Delivered
The NCAP funds were earmarked for:

• Mechanized road cleaning and dust control
• Water sprinkling systems
• Air quality monitoring stations
• Green buffers and waste management

However, implementation has stalled. Monitoring committees failed to meet regularly, and progress reports were delayed on the PRANA portal.

RTI Revelation: The data was obtained via a Right to Information (RTI) request by environmentalist Amit Gupta, exposing systemic neglect and lack of accountability.

Public Concern With Delhi choking under hazardous air, citizens and activists demand transparency and urgent action. The MCD has yet to issue a formal response.