Make in India Initiative and Air Quality Challenge

The Make in India initiative has elevated national morale through achievements in various sectors like space technologies and vaccines. Despite these successes, India struggles with air quality and pollution mitigation, ranking poorly on global pollution indices often compiled by foreign-funded projects.

Challenges in Air Quality Management

• Although the issue of air pollution is critical, its complexities are not fully understood or addressed.
• There are claims of insufficient funding, yet pollution control boards often return unspent funds.
• India has initiated industry collaborations with R&D institutions, highlighted by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation.

International Involvement and Domestic Shortcomings

• Developed countries show keen interest in studying India’s air quality, raising questions about their motivation and why Indian institutes do not lead.
• The over-reliance on global data for climate and weather forecasting underscores a critical vulnerability.
• Despite advancements like the SAFAR system and transitions to cleaner fuels, efforts remain limited.

Potential Solutions and Future Directions

• Collaboration between agencies like ESSO, IMD, and CPCB could enhance air quality management.
• An integrated air quality resource framework is absent, which could consolidate data and empower informed decision-making.
• The NARFI concept is proposed to stimulate inter-organisational collaboration and evidence-based strategies.

Conclusion

To achieve true atmanirbharta in air quality management, India must integrate broader airshed factors and prioritize health-centric and food security measures.