Knowledge may be power, but the mere possession of knowledge is pointless unless its power is wielded to some purposeful end. The government has taken an important first step in combating the menace of poor air quality by developing an Air Quality Index (AQI) which will provide real-time information on the levels of air pollution in 10 major cities across the country. By creating a weighted index, which incorporates levels of five major pollutants and ranks the air quality on a six-point scale ranging from “good” (minimal impact) to “severe” (affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases), it provides a simple snapshot of the state of the air we breathe. This is empowering, since the data is available to all. However, merely creating the AQI is not enough. There needs to be a considered policy response to ensure, first and foremost, that the situation does not worsen, and secondly, that urban air quality is improved to tolerable levels within a definite timeframe. Although State and Central Pollution Control Boards have been collecting air pollution data for years, the information was simply filed and forgotten. Even last year, when a WHO report tagged Delhi as the world’s most polluted city, the first official response was to dispute the findings. The same WHO study had found that 13 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities were Indian.

Far from triggering efforts to find a nationwide solution, the response has been patchy, and driven largely by court orders and directives. Last December, the National Green Tribunal banned vehicles over 15 years old from plying in the national capital, barred open burning of rubbish and leaves, and even banned parking of vehicles on public roads. On Tuesday, it placed a blanket ban on diesel vehicles more than 10 years old from plying in the city. Apart from the patent impracticality of some of the steps, such bans only open avenues for rent-seeking by authorities. Besides, such measures are useless unless similar steps are taken in the surrounding States. We urgently need nationwide and time-bound action to tackle all issues, from switching to cleaner fuels to developing renewable power. Polluting industries need to be relocated and monitored strictly for emissions. The construction sector needs to be made to adopt modern techniques and minimise dust pollution. There also has to be social change to discourage open fires, burning of plastic and other waste, and use of firecrackers. Civic authorities need to create capacity to manage solid and liquid waste and work on effective means of decongesting cities and reducing traffic.

We also need a short-term response plan when pollution levels become severe. Civic bodies need to look at innovative solutions to minimise health impact, ranging from closing schools on bad air days, rescheduling office hours, encouraging use of public transport with discounts or freebies, and restricting private vehicles on bad days. Without such steps, the AQI will simply become another government statistic serving little practical purpose.

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