Budget 2020: FM allocates ₹4,400 cr to check pollution in big cities
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Budget 2020: FM allocates ₹4,400 cr to check pollution in big cities


Calling clean air a matter of concern in large cities, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech on Saturday (February 1)  proposed an allocation of ₹4,400 crore to help states take measures to bring down pollution level in cities with population of over a million.

She said India’s commitment towards combating climate change made at Paris Conference will begin on January 1, 2021.

“Clean air is a matter of concern in large cities. I propose to encourage states to formulate and implement plans to ensure clean air. Allocation for this purpose is ₹4,400 crores,” the minister said.

The minister said thermal power plants where coal is still being used will be shut down and the land will be used for other purposes.

She also allocated ₹22,000 crore for the development of power renewable energy sector.

India, under the Paris Agreement has committed to create a cumulative carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. India’s greenhouse emissions account for 6.5 per cent of the global total (2014), making it the fourth-largest emitter of carbon after China, United States and the European Union.

She added that polluting power plants will be closed down if they exceed emission limits.

India has been grappling with worsening air pollution, across cities. The pollution worsens during winters, especially in north Indian cities.crore to help states take measures to bring down pollution level in cities with population of over a million.

She said India’s commitment towards combating climate change made at Paris Conference will begin on January 1, 2021.

“Clean air is a matter of concern in large cities. I propose to encourage states to formulate and implement plans to ensure clean air. Allocation for this purpose is ₹4,400 crores,” the minister said.

The minister said thermal power plants where coal is still being used will be shut down and the land will be used for other purposes.

She also allocated ₹22,000 crore for the development of power renewable energy sector.

India, under the Paris Agreement has committed to create a cumulative carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. India’s greenhouse emissions account for 6.5 per cent of the global total (2014), making it the fourth-largest emitter of carbon after China, United States and the European Union.

She added that polluting power plants will be closed down if they exceed emission limits.

India has been grappling with worsening of air pollution levels across cities, mostly those in the north.

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