The Air Quality Crisis in India: A Deep Dive into Pollution and Responses

India faces a severe air quality crisis, with major cities consistently recording unhealthy levels of particulate matter, particularly PM2.5. As of December 4, 2025, cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai ranked among the most polluted globally, with AQI readings often exceeding 200, indicating "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" conditions. The average PM2.5 concentration in India was reported at 50.6 µg/m³ in 2024, nearly 11 times higher than the World Health Organization's guideline of 5 µg/m³. This pollution is primarily attributed to local sources such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal agricultural practices like stubble burning.

India Air Quality AlertThe Straits TimesCityLabWhy India’s domestic reforms alone can’t combat air pollutionThe HinduThe Independent

The health implications of this pollution are dire, with studies estimating that poor air quality was responsible for over 2 million deaths in 2023. Residents report a range of pollution-related ailments, including respiratory issues, headaches, and sore throats. In response to deteriorating air quality, many individuals have turned to air purifiers for relief. In 2024, approximately 1.02 million air purifiers were sold in India, a number that rose to 1.2 million in 2025, driven by increasing health awareness and worsening pollution levels.

CityLab

Despite the growing reliance on air purifiers, experts caution that these devices provide only limited respite. Dr. Lancelot Pinto, a pulmonologist, noted that air purifiers are effective only in sealed indoor environments and cannot protect users from outdoor pollution. Critics like Bhargav Krishna from the Sustainable Futures Collaborative argue that the government's focus on immediate but ineffective solutions, such as cloud seeding and smog towers, has left citizens dependent on purifiers as a primary means of accessing clean air.

The Straits Times

The Indian government has initiated the National Clean Air Programme, targeting a reduction of air pollutants in 131 cities. However, experts criticize the program for its narrow focus on PM10 rather than the more harmful PM2.5. Kiran Bedi, a former IPS officer, has called for significant reforms, advocating for stronger institutional frameworks and a dedicated "Clean Air Mission Fund" to support long-term air quality management. The Supreme Court has also urged the government to reassess its air pollution action plan, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach rather than temporary fixes.

Why India’s domestic reforms alone can’t combat air pollution

Critics argue that India's air pollution policies are hampered by a lack of accountability and funding, with many measures confined to domestic jurisdiction. The World Bank has highlighted the transboundary nature of air pollution, indicating that emissions from neighboring countries significantly contribute to India's air quality issues. Without regional cooperation and a multi-sectoral approach, efforts to combat air pollution may remain ineffective.

Why India’s domestic reforms alone can’t combat air pollution

• “We are all being poisoned slowly as we breathe in 350 AQI air that’s equal to smoking 44 cigarettes a day,” he added, noting that Breathify is now also creating awareness about air quality.” — Ratan Kohli, Co-founder of Breathify

The Straits Times

• “Air purifiers work only indoors, in medium-sized rooms, and only when the windows are sealed and the air-conditioning is on so that it’s not stuffy. You can maintain this maybe for eight hours of the day, but for the rest of the day, you’ll be exposed to pollution,” — Dr. Lancelot Pinto, Pulmonologist

The Straits Times

• “Fix the system and the air will follow. India deserves institutions strong enough to deliver the most basic public good: breathable air,” — Kiran Bedi, Former IPS Officer

The Hindu

The air quality crisis in India is a complex issue requiring urgent and coordinated action. While air purifiers offer a temporary solution for some, they cannot substitute for systemic change and comprehensive policy reforms aimed at addressing both local and transboundary pollution sources. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the need for effective governance and public health initiatives becomes increasingly critical.

Why India’s domestic reforms alone can’t combat air pollution