In recent years, the air quality in India has become a topic of intense debate and concern. There are alarming levels of pollution. Indians have an unsettling acceptance of this hazardous environment. This normalization of poor air quality is a public health issue. It needs a reflection of deeper societal and systemic challenges.
American entrepreneur Bryan Johnson ended a podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath due to severe air quality issues. Within days of his arrival in India, Johnson experienced throat irritation, eye discomfort, and skin rashes. This highlights the immediate and tangible impact of air pollution on health. Johnson observed that Indians have become desensitized to this pollution, which was both alarming and thought-provoking for him.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently ranked Indian cities among the most polluted in the world. The economic survey of 2024-25 further underscored this. It noted that 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO guidelines. People in low and middle-income countries like India suffered the most. Despite these statistics, the populace has a pervasive sense of resignation.
One reason for this normalization is the lack of immediate and visible consequences. Unlike natural disasters, air pollution is a slow and insidious threat. Its effects accumulate over time. Individuals cannot connect their health issues to the air they breathe. This delayed impact allows for a dangerous complacency to set in.
Another factor is the socio-economic divide. The wealthy can afford air purifiers, masks, and even the option to temporarily leave the city. However, the majority of the population, especially those in lower-income brackets, do not have these luxuries. For them, poor air quality is an unavoidable part of daily life, leading to a resigned acceptance.
The government’s efforts to combat air pollution have been criticized for their lack of effectiveness. For example, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and initiatives like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have been implemented, but their execution has been inconsistent. Despite these programs, air quality in cities like Delhi has not improved significantly.
The normalization of poor air quality is not just a health issue but a moral one. It reflects a society that has become indifferent to the suffering of its most vulnerable members. It is a call to action for policymakers, activists, and citizens alike. They should demand and implement more stringent measures to improve air quality.
