As per 2019 World Air Quality Report, 17 indian cities were ranked as the most polluted amongst the top 25 cities. It has been observed that quality of air has been depleted significantly due to excessive amounts of  waste being released into air recklessly. Studies have shown that air pollution in India caused by vehicles and industries forms a major component in the overall air pollution index (more than 50%). 

Taking into account WHO air quality guidelines, such elevated values of harmful toxins in the environment can increase long-term mortality risk by 15%. It is vital to realize that air pollution does not only impact standard of living but the economy as well. Studies have depicted that the  levels of morbidity as a result of air pollution has led to losses in welfare that in turn cost India’s economy some 5.9 percent of GDP. Thus, the argument that I cannot sense the change caused by pollution monetarily so I do not have to be worried about it becomes irrelevant. It is crucial to not overlook the challenge and take effective remedial action at both individual as well as national level.

Various innovative policies and programs are being implemented by the Indian Government. For example, the odd even scheme in Delhi, where vehicles with their last digit as odd are only allowed on roads on odd days while those with the ending digit as even are only allowed on roads on even days. 

Another such program is the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India in 2019. It aims to develop and implement city-level plans for clean air in 122 cities of India. It is envisioned as a comprehensive strategy to provide the State and Union governments with a blueprint to combat air pollution. It is a five-year action plan created to form an effective and efficient pan-India air quality monitoring network as well as create awareness among the citizens of the nation. It aims at reducing two key air pollutants in the country by 20-30 percent by 2024 (2017 is set as the base year). However, it is already falling short from the promises it made due to improper legal action. Thus, it is essential for us as citizens to be more aware that these policies are not only made to look good on paper but are also properly implemented.

Works Cited

https://earth.org/data_visualization/air-pollution-in-india/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.orfonline.org/research/finding-solutions-to-air-pollution-in-india-the-role-of-policy-finance-and-communities-74311/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.livemint.com/news/india/delhi-odd-even-scheme-dates-rules-timings-penalty-exemptions-explained/amp-11572750034900.html