Air pollution remains a daunting challenge in India, prompting concerns that may drive expatriates, diplomats, and business leaders to reconsider their presence in major cities like Delhi. Recently, high-profile discussions have surfaced, highlighting pollution’s impact on public figures, such as Bryan Johnson’s departure from Nikhil Kamath’s podcast over pollution concerns, and even bringing attention to global leaders like Vladimir Putin, whose cough drew scrutiny amidst awareness of these environmental issues.
The persistent air quality crisis in India is not merely a consequence of natural conditions but is exacerbated by administrative shortcomings in pollution control. Comparisons with cities around the world, such as Beijing, London, Mexico City, and Tokyo, illustrate how governance and long-term planning can lead to substantial improvements in air quality.
In Beijing, a significant reduction in pollution was achieved through the Clean Air Action Plan, which focused on minimizing coal use, relocating polluting industries, and transitioning households from coal to gas. The key to Beijing’s success was not technology alone; it was the governance strategy that treated the entire Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region as a unified airshed, enabling comprehensive and strict regulations.
Meanwhile, London’s battle with pollution, which began after the catastrophic Great Smog of 1952, shows the importance of a persistent and incremental approach. The introduction of the Clean Air Act in 1956 initiated decades of gradual improvements, leading to a remarkable 75% reduction in key pollutants. Political commitment across different electoral cycles facilitated the sustained evolution of regulations based on scientific progress.
Mexico City’s journey has been more tumultuous, marked by both failures and successes. Initially, attempts to control pollution through short-term solutions like car bans fell short. However, long-term initiatives such as the ProAire program, which embraced cleaner fuels and expanded public transportation, ultimately led to improvements, albeit slowly.
Tokyo demonstrates the efficacy of proactive regulations aimed at curbing pollution from the onset. With strong local regulations leading the way before national laws were enforced, Tokyo has seen significant reductions in pollutants. However, it also illustrates the limitations of local actions without regional cooperation, as certain pollutant levels remain above recommended guidelines.
India can draw crucial lessons from these global examples, particularly the need for regional collaboration and the ineffectiveness of quick fixes. Establishing robust monitoring systems, evolving long-term policies, and focusing on improving public transport are vital steps toward meaningful change.
Despite the dire circumstances, there remains hope for India’s fight against pollution. Addressing the three fundamental questions surrounding the nation’s commitment to air quality could lead to significant improvements. A clear response regarding the political will to clean the air, the establishment of competent institutions, and the ultimate goal of providing citizens with clean air could alter the grim trajectory.
While the journey is fraught with challenges, the international success stories serve as a beacon, illustrating the possibilities that lie in determined governance and shared responsibility.