From Smog to Hope: Understanding India’s Journey Towards Cleaner Air

Today's topic is India's decreasing Air Quality Index (AQI), and this is a very significant issue. It's not a normal thing; it's a very difficult and serious matter. This is because air quality is something that affects your entire body, and if the air quality in your city isn't good and the air itself isn't clean, then over time, it becomes life-threatening. In a country like India, where air pollution has become a part of the news and conversations every year, a decreasing AQI is not just a number but a ray of hope. In the last few years, especially in some major cities, there has been a gradual improvement in the AQI level. This is a positive sign. This change won't happen overnight, and it's not perfect yet, but the direction seems right.

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India's air pollution problem is not limited to just metropolitan cities. Along with cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, the effects of pollution have increased significantly in smaller towns as well, because people don't understand how to dispose of their agricultural waste. They don't know if there are other uses for it. They burn their crop residue to protect their fields, and the resulting pollution travels to metropolitan areas and cities like Delhi. That's why the air quality index (AQI) there is always high. In Punjab and Haryana, a large amount of crop residue is burned, and they feel it's necessary to burn it; otherwise, their fields will be ruined. This means the environment can be improved, but they need to be educated on how to achieve this.

The biggest problem is in Delhi, the capital of India, because the Air Quality Index (AQI) there is currently between 900 and 1000. You can't even imagine. A ​​good AQI is around 20 to 30, which is considered normal. But here, 500-600 has become normal these days, and 1000 means the situation is extremely bad. People there can't breathe properly. Children are developing coughs, and elderly people are getting asthma. It's causing so many problems. Diseases like lung infections can also spread because of this. When you go to Delhi, you'll understand. Your eyes will burn, you'll have headaches, and you won't be able to breathe properly. You'll face a lot of problems because the air quality is very bad. Something similar happened in China; it took them 5-6 years to solve the problem, but they did it. India is also gradually decreasing the AQI and improving the environment, but it won't happen overnight. It takes a lot of time.

In the last few years, the Indian government has started taking air pollution seriously, and initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme, ambitious norms, and steps like the BS6 standards for vehicles have had a direct impact. While the results may not be immediately apparent, a framework has been created with a clear and actively promoted initiative to control pollution. Public transportation is being heavily subsidized, making tickets very cheap. Petrol prices are being kept low, and electric vehicles are being promoted with subsidies. There are also incentives for scrapping old vehicles, offering two to three lakh rupees for doing so. These are just a few examples of the many benefits being offered.

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In India, air quality largely depends on the season, and pollution naturally decreases during the monsoon season because the rain cleans the air. However, the positive changes observed in recent years are not solely due to the monsoon. Even in winter, some areas are recording better air quality than before, which is a strong indication that the pollution is gradually decreasing. However, this is a seasonal problem, primarily occurring in winter. This is because, during winter, people in and around Delhi and many other metropolitan cities, especially in areas with extensive farmlands, burn stubble. The smoke from these fires then drifts into the metropolitan areas. This isn't a problem unique to Delhi, nor is it caused by a large number of trucks on the roads. It's primarily due to the burning of crop residue in the fields, and it's a seasonal issue. You won't see this level of pollution during the summer or monsoon seasons.

Industrial courts are necessary in India, but the price of uncontrolled industrial growth is paid by the environment and public health. In recent years, industrial permit control norms have become somewhat stricter. Rules regarding dust control measures at construction sites, proper waste management, and the handling of construction materials have been implemented. While it's true that implementation isn't uniform everywhere, these rules are being followed to some extent, and a noticeable difference is felt. In cities where construction activity is more regular, local regulations are comparatively stable, and most people now practice good waste management, covering construction sites properly to prevent dust from spreading. This keeps the dust contained within the construction area and prevents it from affecting surrounding areas.

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