February 1, 2020 In Uncategorized

UNION BUDGET 2020 PROVIDES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF AIR QUALITY INDEX

The Finance Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, has recently presented the Union Budget 2020-21 on 01-02-2020, whereunder the Government has proposed plans for improving air quality index in India, as air pollution and air-borne diseases have become quite a major concern in today’s time.

The Government has proposed allocation of Rs. 4,400 Crores to improve the air quality index in the country and to encourage States to formulate wide-ranging plans for improving the air quality.

The Finance Minister also announced for the closure of old thermal plants which are violating the emission norms. Thereafter, the land that becomes vacant may be put to better use.

The Government had, last year, launched a five-year National Clean Air Action Plan to achieve 20-30% reduction in concentration of particulate matter 10 and 2.5 by 2024, with 2017 as the base year.

Also, the Finance Minister stated that India is committed towards execution of its climate action targets under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, India has committed to reduce the emission intensity levels by 2030.

Thus, the Government has planned to utilize its domestic budgetary resources to fulfill its national and international targets pertaining to climate change.

GOVIND GUPTA

ASSOCIATE

THE INDIAN LAWYER

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