India’s air pollution problem is a chronic issue, affecting public health, the environment, and daily life. Despite ongoing efforts like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and Bharat VI, the country’s response remains insufficient, and progress has been slow.

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• Air pollution in India is a year-round crisis, particularly severe in winter months.
• Hospitals in major cities are overwhelmed with respiratory cases due to poor air quality.
• Schools in affected areas are forced to close regularly because of hazardous air conditions.
• Indian cities frequently top global pollution rankings, indicating the severity of the issue.
• Programs like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and Bharat VI have been launched to combat pollution.
• The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to reduce dependence on polluting fuels like firewood and coal.
• Efforts are being made to phase out coal-burning industries in the National Capital Region (NCR).
• Despite these initiatives, the national response is fragmented, lacking a unified approach.
• Implementation of policies has been slow, hindering transformative change.
• To combat the crisis effectively, stronger coordination and faster action are crucial.