New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

At a time when Delhi and the NCR are choking under toxic air, the Union Budget 2026–27 has triggered serious concern by reducing the allocation for pollution control, raising sharp questions over the government’s commitment to public health.
Despite worsening air quality and recurring winter emergencies, the Centre has allocated ₹1,091 crore for pollution control in FY 2026–27, a cut of nearly ₹200 crore from the revised estimate of ₹1,300 crore in 2025–26. Experts warn that the move reflects a troubling disconnect between policy and ground reality.


Key Budget Figures Under Scrutiny
Total pollution control allocation (FY 2026–27): ₹1,091 crore
Previous revised estimate (FY 2025–26): ₹1,300 crore
Net reduction: approx. ₹200 crore
Funds routed largely through the Control of Pollution Scheme and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)


Health Emergency vs Fiscal Priorities
Environmentalists argue that air pollution in Delhi-NCR is no longer a seasonal issue but a chronic public health emergency, linked to rising cases of respiratory illnesses, heart disease, reduced life expectancy and school closures.
Yet, there is no dedicated allocation for Delhi-NCR or North India, regions that consistently record the worst air quality levels in the country.
“Cutting funds when pollution is worsening amounts to policy failure,” experts said, calling the budget a missed opportunity to protect public health.


NCAP Goals, Weak Financial Backing


The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate pollution across 82 cities, but analysts point out that ambitious targets without adequate funding risk remaining on paper.
Key gaps highlighted include:
No focused investment in EV infrastructure
Inadequate support for public transport electrification
Lack of region-specific action plans for Delhi-NCR


Public Health at Risk
While the budget signals intent toward clean energy, experts say the scale of investment falls far short of what is needed to combat a crisis that directly affects millions of lives every year.
The central question remains unanswered:
How will citizens get relief from pollution when funding itself is being cut?


A City Still Gasping for Answers
As Delhi prepares for yet another year of hazardous air, the shrinking pollution budget has intensified public anxiety. Without strong financial backing, targeted policies and political will, clean air risks becoming a distant promise rather than a guaranteed right.


For now, Delhi continues to gasp—waiting for action that matches the gravity of the crisis.