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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on April 03, 2025
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Why India needs to clean its air?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
India’s clean air future will be shaped not by dashboards but by people, partnerships, and purpose. Lasting solutions depend on those working on the ground: municipal officers, planners, engineers, and community leaders
Read about:
National Clean air Programme (NCAP)
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Key takeaways:
India’s Air Pollution Crisis: Beyond Seasonal Concerns
India’s struggle with air pollution is far more than a seasonal nuisance—it is an ongoing public health emergency that suffocates millions each winter and lingers throughout the year. Hospitals witness a surge in respiratory illnesses, schools are forced to close, thick smog shrouds cities, and major Indian metropolitan areas consistently rank among the most polluted globally.
Evaluating India’s Response
Considering the severity of this crisis, it is crucial to assess the steps India is taking to improve air quality. Measures such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Bharat VI emission norms, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), and efforts to phase out coal-dependent industries in the National Capital Region (NCR) mark progress. However, the overall response remains fragmented and slow-moving. Without better coordination and swift execution, meaningful transformation may remain elusive.
Recognizing Ground Realities
- A major challenge lies in how India perceives air pollution—often treated as a technical issue when, in reality, it is a deeply rooted structural problem shaped by governance, population density, socio-economic inequalities, behavioral habits, and entrenched economic models.
- While scientists diagnose air quality much like doctors identify symptoms, the real solutions lie in the hands of municipal officials, urban planners, engineers, and community leaders.
- These stakeholders operate under financial constraints, outdated infrastructure, and competing priorities. Strengthening their capabilities and aligning their responsibilities with air quality targets is essential for long-term progress.
- This complexity is particularly relevant in India’s ambitious goal to cut PM2.5 levels by 40% by 2026, compared to 2017 levels. While necessary, this target may not be achievable without acknowledging on-ground realities.
- For instance, tackling vehicular pollution requires more than just blaming vehicles; it involves assessing vehicle types, fuel usage, age, travel distances, and congestion levels.
- Without such granular insights, local governments may struggle to devise practical, actionable policies. Bridging the gap between national targets and real-world emission sources is key to achieving measurable progress.