Air Pollution in India: A Nationwide Crisis

Air pollution in India has evolved from a seasonal issue primarily affecting the northern plains to a pervasive public health emergency impacting the entire nation. It affects all demographic groups and nearly every organ system, significantly altering disease patterns, impeding childhood development, and reducing life expectancy.

Current Air Quality Situation

• Of the 256 cities monitored in 2025, 150 cities exceeded the national PM 2.5 standard.
• Delhi recorded PM 2.5 levels of 107–130 µg/m³, significantly higher than India's 24-hour limit of 60 µg/m³ and WHO's guideline of 15 µg/m³.
• India’s Air Quality Index (AQI) caps values at 500, which is outdated as real-time levels often exceed this, sometimes reaching over 1,000.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Air pollution significantly reduces life expectancy. According to the Air Quality Life Index:

• Nearly 46% of Indians live in regions with life expectancy reduced due to pollution.
• In Delhi, PM 2.5 exposure reduces life expectancy by more than eight years.

Specific Health Concerns

• Cardiovascular Harm: PM 2.5 exposure is linked to increased risks of hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
• Respiratory Illness: 6% of Indian children have asthma; increased PM 2.5 levels lead to higher emergency visits for respiratory distress.
• Neurological Impacts: Air pollution can cause neuroinflammation, affecting academic performance and increasing dementia risk.
• Maternal and Neonatal Health: High PM 2.5 exposure is associated with preterm births and low birth weight.

Socio-economic Inequities and Pollution Sources

• Lower-income communities are disproportionately affected as they live near emission hotspots.
• Major pollution sources include vehicular emissions, industrial processes, construction dust, and biomass burning.

Policy Recommendations

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has initiated improvements, but further strategies are necessary:

• Transport Transformation: Electrification of public transport, introduction of low-emission zones.
• Industrial Control: Enforce pollution-control technologies and transition from coal.
• Construction Regulation: Implement dust-suppression protocols.
• Waste Management Reform: Encourage segregation at source and eliminate open burning.
• Health-system Integration: Incorporate air quality into healthcare, including school health programs.