Why India needs to clean its air

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Persistent Crisis

• Air pollution in India is a year-round issue, not just a seasonal problem.
• Every winter, pollution worsens, causing health crises, school closures, and economic disruptions.
• Indian cities frequently top global pollution rankings.

Current Efforts and Challenges

• The government has launched programs like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Bharat VI fuel standards, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), and efforts to reduce coal-burning industries.
• However, these initiatives remain fragmented, and implementation is slow.
• Effective solutions require better coordination and integration of policies.

Understanding the Root Cause

• Air pollution is often viewed as a technical issue, but it is also influenced by governance, economic factors, and social behavior.
• Local-level workers such as municipal officers and engineers play a key role but face budget constraints and outdated infrastructure.
• Strengthening local governance is crucial for sustained progress.

Meeting Air Quality Targets

• India aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 40% by 2026 (compared to 2017 levels).
• Achieving this goal requires detailed data on pollution sources like transportation, fuel types, and industrial emissions.
• Without accurate local data, national targets may not translate into effective action.

Funding and Resource Allocation

• India’s clean air budget is much lower than some other countries.
• NCAP’s budget is ₹11,542 crore, while additional programs like PMUY (₹18,128 crore) and FAME II (₹10,795 crore) also contribute indirectly.
• However, only 60% of NCAP funds were utilized from 2019 to 2023, highlighting inefficiencies in resource allocation.
• Better tracking of funds and results is needed to improve accountability.

Data-Driven Solutions

• A three-phase approach is recommended:
  • Identify major pollution sources using local emissions data.
  • Allocate funds based on real pollution data, not just general estimates.
  • Measure reductions in emissions, not just pollution levels, to track actual progress.

Avoiding Ineffective Solutions

• High-tech solutions like smog towers and AI-based pollution tracking have limited impact if basic sources like biomass burning and old industrial methods are not addressed.
• Urban areas may get advanced tools, but rural and informal sectors contribute significantly to pollution and need better attention.
• Research and practical implementation must be separated to ensure immediate action.

Lessons from Other Countries

• China shut down coal plants, Brazil improved waste management, and California reinvested pollution revenue into poor communities.
• India must design solutions that fit its governance structure, economy, and social realities.

Way Forward

• Pollution control must be integrated into daily governance.
• Solutions should focus on people, partnerships, and action, rather than just technology and policies.
• Clean air should be a right for all, requiring bold decisions and strong execution.