Delhi's MCD Holds ₹48 Crore in Pollution Control Funds Amid Air Quality Crisis
MCD Sitting On Rs 48 Crore Pollution Funds Even As GRAP Returns To Delhi: RTI

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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has ₹47.96 crore in unspent pollution control funds, despite the re-imposition of GRAP-1 measures due to deteriorating air quality. Between 2021-22 and 2026-27, the MCD received ₹72.41 crore but spent only ₹24.45 crore, raising concerns over the effective use of allocated funds.
- 01As of May 2026, the MCD has ₹47.96 crore in unspent pollution control funds.
- 02The MCD received ₹72.41 crore for pollution control from 2021-22 to 2026-27 but only utilized ₹24.45 crore.
- 03The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in January 2019.
- 04The MCD's expenditure in 2024-25 was notably low at only ₹80.56 lakh despite a significant carry-forward balance.
- 05The Standing Committee, which approves major projects, was formed in June 2025 after a prolonged political deadlock.
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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is currently holding ₹47.96 crore in unspent pollution control funds as of May 2026, amidst a worsening air quality situation that has led to the re-imposition of GRAP-1 measures by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). According to an RTI response, the MCD had an opening balance of ₹54.34 crore at the start of the financial year 2026-27, spending only ₹6.38 crore so far this year. Since the launch of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019, the MCD has received ₹72.41 crore for pollution control but has only utilized ₹24.45 crore. The MCD's expenditure has been particularly low in recent years, with only ₹80.56 lakh spent in 2024-25 despite carrying forward over ₹20 crore. The delay in project execution has been attributed to the absence of the Standing Committee, which was formed in June 2025 after a political deadlock. Despite some improvements in air quality, Delhi's PM10 and PM2.5 levels remain significantly above safe limits, necessitating urgent action.
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The unspent pollution control funds could hinder effective measures to combat air pollution in Delhi, affecting public health.
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