air pollution in India
India's Air Quality Crisis: Experts Call for Science-Based Standards as WHO Guidelines Remain Unimplemented
Dec 12, 2025 07:43 am CST
India faces severe air pollution with 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities located within its borders. While the government maintains WHO air quality guidelines are merely advisory and defends its 16-year-old standards based on local factors, environmental experts emphasize the urgent need to align policies with health-based science as pollution continues to claim millions of lives annually and significantly reduces life expectancy across the nation.
Kiran Bedi Proposes 5 Institutional Reforms to Combat India's Air Pollution Crisis: From Reactive Measures to Systemic Solutions
Dec 03, 2025 12:31 pm CST
Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi outlines five crucial institutional reforms needed to address India's persistent air pollution crisis, advocating for stronger leadership in the Commission for Air Quality Management, dedicated enforcement teams, stable funding mechanisms, and AI-enabled monitoring systems. As Delhi-NCR continues to struggle with hazardous air quality, Bedi emphasizes the need to shift from emergency responses to comprehensive structural solutions for long-term impact.
Indian Cities Record Decade of Unsafe Air Quality Levels Despite National Clean Air Programme
Nov 28, 2025 11:08 pm CST
A comprehensive ten-year analysis reveals that no major Indian city has achieved safe air quality levels since 2015, with even Bengaluru consistently exceeding safe thresholds. Delhi remains the most polluted metropolis despite various interventions, while local pollution sources now outweigh seasonal factors across urban India, creating serious health risks for millions of outdoor workers.
Supreme Court PIL Addresses Critical Air Pollution Health Emergency Across India
Nov 06, 2025 09:02 pm CST
A public interest litigation filed in India's Supreme Court addresses the nationwide health emergency caused by dangerous air pollution levels, with PM2.5 concentrations 20 times above WHO safety standards. The petition calls for urgent judicial intervention to strengthen monitoring infrastructure and enforce environmental laws to protect citizens' fundamental right to clean air.
Delhi Ranks 6th Among India's Most Polluted Cities in October: Comprehensive Air Quality Study Reveals
Nov 04, 2025 10:58 pm CST
A comprehensive air quality analysis by CREA reveals Delhi ranked as India's 6th most polluted city in October 2023, with PM2.5 levels tripling from September. Haryana's Dharuhera topped the list at 123 µg/m³, while four cities each from UP and Haryana dominated the top 10 - all within the NCR. Despite minimal stubble burning contribution, the findings highlight the need for year-round pollution mitigation strategies beyond seasonal measures.