A comprehensive two-day training program on “Effective Implementation of the National Clean Air Programme” was held on November 13-14, 2024, in New Delhi. Organized by GIZ and the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology (iFOREST) and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the event aimed to deepen City Nodal Officers’ understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the NCAP framework.

The training was attended by 43 City Nodal Officers from 17 States/UTs and provided a unique platform for these professionals to engage, learn, and share their experiences.

Throughout the sessions, participants gained critical insights into their roles, enhancing their ability to contribute effectively to NCAP’s goals. The program commenced with an insightful introduction by Mr. Raghu Babu Nukala, Programme Director at GIZ, who emphasized the importance of capacity building as a cornerstone of NCAP. He described the training as a vital platform for cities across the nation to equip themselves to meet air quality targets.

Dr. Pratima Singh, Director of Air Pollution and Waste Management at iFOREST, acknowledged City Nodal Officers as the “warriors” combating air pollution on the ground. Her remarks underlined the value of specialized training in empowering these officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement effective air quality solutions.

Dr. Prashant Gargava, Director – NCAP, MoEFCC, and Mr. N. Subrahmanyam, Additional Director, MoEFCC, shared their insights on the practical challenges faced by City Nodal Officers. They stressed the need for resilience, meticulous planning, and collaboration to overcome obstacles and advance cleaner air objectives.

The program offered a holistic overview of NCAP, covering:

• Roles and responsibilities of City Nodal Officers
• Convergence of schemes
• Technical aspects of air quality
• Strategies for planning and implementing Clean Air Action Plans

Interactive group activities and hands-on exercises were integral to the training, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and practical scenario-based learning. Participants engaged in discussions on NCAP implementation shared perspectives, and developed actionable strategies for achieving clean air goals.

The event concluded with a Knowledge Exchange Session, where participants showcased best practices from cities across India. This session fostered peer-to-peer learning, allowing cities to exchange ideas, replicate successful initiatives, and refine their approaches to combating air pollution.

The training program was widely praised by participants as a significant step in strengthening the capacity of City Nodal Officers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to drive impactful air quality improvements nationwide.