Air pollution is not confined to Delhi. On average, Indians lose 3.5 years of life expectancy because of toxic air
India’s PM2.5 levels are 41 μg/m³, eight times the WHO limit. Even India’s weaker standard of 40 μg/m³ is being breached
If India met WHO norms, Delhi residents could gain 8.2 years of life, and half a billion in the northern plains could gain five
The National Clean Air Programme has shown progress, but its goals remain far less ambitious than WHO standards
China cut pollution by 40% in a decade. India needs similar urgency—incremental measures alone will not be enough
From rooftop solar to tackling stubble burning, solutions exist. What is needed is speed, scale, and stronger political will