Under the National Clean Air Programme, BBMP will use the ₹124.5 crore grant to curb dust pollution, green open spaces, improve traffic junctions, and boost public awareness.
The Climate Action Cell of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has received ₹124.5 crore under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to implement an annual action plan aimed at reducing air pollution across the city. The funds, sanctioned under the 15th Finance Commission Air Quality Grants, will be utilised for road improvement, greening of open spaces, traffic decongestion, and large-scale public outreach programmes.
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According to Preeti Gehlot, BBMP Special Commissioner for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Management, the civic body’s focus will include last-mile connectivity, pedestrian-friendly footpaths, greening landfill areas through Miyawaki forests, proper disposal of construction and demolition waste, and improving traffic junctions. The funds will also be channelled into ‘MY Bharat’ awareness drives involving schools, colleges, and local communities.
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Key activities include road paving to reduce dust, mechanical sweeping, pothole-free roads, and roadside greenery. Greening projects will cover open spaces and traffic corridors, with mini-forests enhancing airflow. Crematoriums will also see eco-friendly upgrades through fuel conversion and pollution-control devices.
The plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Additionally, Bengaluru may see EV charging infrastructure integrated into upcoming plans.
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Financially, ₹31.9 crore has been allocated for 2023–24 and ₹11.41 crore for 2024–25, with plans uploaded to the PRANA portal for monitoring. Since 2020–21, Bengaluru has utilised ₹408.74 crore out of ₹541.11 crore released under NCAP. Notably, ₹158.11 crore was spent in 2024–25, ₹46.15 crore in 2023–24, ₹115.73 crore in 2022–23, and ₹5.99 crore in 2020–21.
BBMP officials emphasise that the plan is not only about curbing pollution but also about transforming the city into a greener, healthier, and pedestrian-friendly Bengaluru.