Roti, Kapda, Makaan, Good Air: Making Clean Air a National Priority (GS Paper 3, Planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment)
Introduction: The Missing Piece in Political Discourse
- In a welcome development, environmental and air pollution concerns have found a place in the manifestos of major political parties for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- However, the larger question looms: Will air quality ever ascend to the top of voters' priority lists in India?
Historical Trends in Political Manifestos
- Over the years, political manifestos have mirrored the evolving aspirations of the populace, from the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter to infrastructure, employment, and governance transparency.
- Yet, amidst this evolution, the issue of air quality has remained conspicuously absent, largely due to insufficient awareness and inadequate efforts by local governments to educate citizens about the perils of air pollution.
The Stark Reality of Air Quality in India
- Studies paint a grim picture of the impact of air pollution on India's economy and public health.
- Annual deaths attributable to air pollution result in an economic loss of Rs 2.7 lakh crore, amounting to 1.36% of the country's GDP.
- Moreover, the Indian GDP could have been 4.5% higher if air pollution had grown slower—an alarming statistic that underscores the urgent need for action.
The Development-Environment Conundrum
- Nobel laureate Simon Kuznets' seminal work highlighted the inverse relationship between economic development and environmental degradation.
- While economic growth initially exacerbates environmental harm, it eventually leads to improvements.
- This underscores the potential for environmental concerns, including air quality, to become mainstream issues as India progresses economically.
Pathways to Making Clean Air a Priority
- To catalyze meaningful change, air pollution must become a political agenda item, garnering widespread attention in media and public discourse.
- This necessitates concerted efforts by academics, experts, and policymakers to raise awareness about the importance of clean air as a fundamental right.
Strengthening the National Clean Air Programme
- While the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) marks a step in the right direction, its efficacy can be enhanced through targeted measures.
- Increased funding for on-ground pollution reduction activities, decentralization of air pollution programs, protection of green zones, and robust public awareness campaigns are key strategies to bolster the NCAP's impact.
Conclusion: Mobilizing for Clean Air
- As citizens, we must demand clean air with the same fervor as we advocate for other basic necessities.
- Mass movements and grassroots initiatives can amplify this demand, compelling policymakers to prioritize air quality.
- Just as power cuts and inadequate infrastructure provoke public outcry, so too should the need for clean air galvanize collective action for a healthier, more sustainable future.
