The past decade has seen the air quality index of India accelerate rapidly with deterioration in the air quality, especially in the northern parts of India. While there have been some efforts made to address the problem of air pollution, the results have not been too evident. To combat this problem, India needs more than an ambitious agenda. It also needs a strong framework to ensure compliance and be accountable for the targets that are set.
While a lot has been achieved by way of monitoring the air quality and understanding how it impacts normal lives, there is still a lot that needs to be achieved. The data collected so far strongly recommends the implementation of effective solutions.
Wearing a pollution mask is a short-term solution, one that can be implemented while the legwork for more effective and permanent solutions is being done. This is because masks hamper the respiratory process to some extent. For people suffering from chronic breathing disorders, wearing a mask all the time is more of a punishment than a relief. Thus while masks present an interim solution, a more permanent solution would involve ensuring clean and fresh air permanently.
Some of the ways by which this can be achieved are:
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Pinpointing the problem: To understand the exact dimensions of the problem and know the exact area from where work to clean the air quality in India can be initiated, certain factors that need to be taken into account like:
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Air quality monitoring: Currently India has some 4000 monitoring stations that have been tasked with providing continuous updates regarding the current state of air quality. Of these 2800 are situated in urban areas and the rest in rural areas. However, currently, not all stations are functional and data comes from only a handful of these stations. This gap needs to be removed and all stations made operational so that accurate data and information regarding the air quality index of India can be measured.
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Identifying sources of pollution: This is a factor that needs to be given its due importance to seek a solution to the problem of air pollution. The pollutants are known but a clear picture of how much which source of pollution is contributing is yet to come up. Thus, real-time data needs to be analysed and infrastructure monitoring ramped up to enable relevant granular data collection.
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Understanding its impact: Most people are aware that air pollution has certain health and economic impacts but the exact nature and extent is yet to be fully ascertained. Thus, to access the impact accurately and mobilise action accordingly, a more comprehensive picture is required.
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Engaging the common people: Air pollution is an epidemic that derives its origin from the public. Hence, to solve it, the solution has to involve the public. Only when the awareness is widespread and the urge to clean the surrounding air comes from within, can the problem of air pollution be resolved. Some of the ways by which public engagement can be sought are:
- Impactful storytelling
- Targeted campaigns to spread awareness
- Spreading accurate information about health impacts
- Communicating how it will facilitate healthcare expense reduction in future
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Advocating policy changes and bringing in regulations: This will bring in accountability. By bringing in specific and appropriate policies and regulations, measures to combat air pollution can be introduced and perpetrators of activities promoting air pollution can be brought to task.
The process has started. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go. Until the solution to combat air pollution is found and properly implemented, wearing a pollution mask when going out remains a mandatory measure that should be diligently followed.
