Union Budget slashes pollution control spending even as Delhi-NCR gasps for clean air - 'Deeply disappointing'

Budget 2026 cuts pollution control allocation

• Pollution control funding cut by Rs 209 crore in Union Budget 2026–27
• NCAP allocation reduced, raising concerns over air quality efforts in 82 cities
• Budget boosts clean energy but lacks strong EV and pollution control support

Did our AI summary help?

The Union Budget 2026–27 has reduced funding for pollution control at a time when worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR and large parts of north India is raising serious public health concerns.

For the financial year 2026–27, the centre has allocated Rs 1,091 crore for pollution control. This is Rs 209 crore less than the revised estimate of Rs 1,300 crore in 2025–26, according to a report in TOI. Notably, the original allocation for pollution control in 2025–26 was only Rs 853.9 crore, which was later increased. Experts say this year’s reduction undermines the urgency required to tackle India’s air pollution crisis.

The funds fall under the Control of Pollution scheme, which supports pollution control boards, committees, and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). NCAP is India’s flagship programme aimed at reducing particulate matter pollution in cities that consistently fail to meet air quality standards. Currently, it covers 82 non-attainment cities across the country.

Why has pollution funding been cut now?

The timing of the cut is troubling. Delhi-NCR and neighbouring regions continue to record hazardous air quality levels, leading to school closures, health advisories, and increased respiratory illnesses. Despite this, the budget has not provided additional financial backing to strengthen pollution control efforts.

Sunil Dahiya of Envirocatalysts pointed out that the Budget failed to address the regional nature of the crisis. “There is no dedicated allocation for Delhi-NCR or north India, even as air pollution remains a recurring health emergency. Emission reduction at source needs strong policies and financial backing, which are missing,” he was quoted by TOI as saying.

What about the National Clean Air Programme?

Concerns have also been raised about funding for NCAP. Dahiya noted that while the overall pollution control allocation shows a small increase compared to the original estimates of last year, NCAP funding across 82 cities is lower than last year’s revised estimates. This raises doubts about the government’s commitment to improving air quality in the worst-affected cities.

Environmental activist Amit Gupta described the budget as “deeply disappointing.” He highlighted that the NCAP allocation has been cut by nearly Rs 200 crore, and pointed out poor utilisation in earlier years. In 2024–25, only Rs 16 crore was spent against an allocation of Rs 900 crore calling this gap alarming, he said.

Is clean energy spending enough to curb pollution?

While the budget has increased spending on clean energy, experts say this does not automatically translate into effective air pollution control. Aarti Khosla, founder and director of Climate Trends, noted that a record allocation was made for rooftop solar panels, but more could be done. “This shows intent for energy transition, but given the extent of air pollution, stronger measures such as accelerating EV adoption and fastcharging infrastructure were needed,” TOI quoted Khosla as saying.

Experts flagged the lack of focused support for electric vehicle (EV) adoption and fast-charging infrastructure as a major miss. Vibhuti, South Asia director at IEEFA, said transport electrification could deliver immediate public health benefits, but budgetary support for EVs remained weak.

Positive takeaways

Despite overall concerns, some regulatory bodies received higher allocations. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was allotted Rs 35.26 crore, an increase of Rs 4 crore. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) received Rs 123 crore, up from Rs 116.2 crore last year.

Spending on environmental education and capacity building also saw an increase. The government allocated Rs 104 crore for environment education, awareness, research, and skill development, while Rs 102.7 crore was set aside for environmental knowledge and capacity building.