**India’s Current Strategies in Combating Air Pollution**

India has been grappling with severe air pollution issues, particularly in urban areas. To address this pressing problem, several strategies have been implemented and are being refined. Here’s an overview of the current strategies:

1. **National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)**:
– Launched in 2019, NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) pollution by 20-30% by 2024 from 2017 levels.
– It includes city-specific action plans and involves various stakeholders, including state governments and municipal authorities.

2. **Emission Standards and Regulations**:
– **Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms**: Implemented since April 2020, these stricter emission standards for vehicles aim to significantly cut down vehicular pollution.
– **Industrial Emission Standards**: Regulations have been tightened for industrial emissions, with a focus on controlling pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

3. **Monitoring and Enforcement**:
– **Air Quality Index (AQI)**: Regular monitoring and reporting through AQI help in tracking pollution levels and issuing health advisories.
– **Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)**: This plan is activated during severe air pollution episodes, involving measures like restricting construction activities, controlling vehicle emissions, and banning certain types of fuels.

4. **Promoting Clean Energy**:
– **Renewable Energy Expansion**: Investment in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources is aimed at reducing dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.
– **Electric Vehicles (EVs)**: Incentives and policies are being introduced to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce emissions from the transportation sector.

5. **Urban Planning and Green Spaces**:
– **Afforestation and Tree Planting**: Initiatives to increase green cover and urban forests help in improving air quality.
– **Public Transport**: Enhancing public transportation systems to reduce private vehicle usage and associated emissions.

6. **Research and Innovation**:
– **Advanced Monitoring Systems**: Development and deployment of advanced air quality monitoring technologies.
– **Pollution Control Technologies**: Encouraging research into new technologies for controlling and reducing pollution at source.

7. **Public Awareness and Participation**:
– **Awareness Campaigns**: Government and non-governmental organizations run campaigns to educate the public about the health impacts of air pollution and measures to reduce personal contributions.
– **Community Involvement**: Engaging local communities in monitoring air quality and implementing localized pollution control measures.

8. **Interstate Collaboration**:
– **Regional Cooperation**: Efforts to collaborate with neighboring states and regions to address cross-border pollution and shared air quality issues.

These strategies reflect a multi-pronged approach to combating air pollution in India, involving policy measures, technological advancements, public engagement, and collaborative efforts at various levels of government and society.