Air pollution is a major problem plaguing our nation. It is not just a Delhi problem or an urban problem but even the residents of Bengaluru are exposed to outdoor fine particulate mass levels far above the World Health Organization guidelines. The crores of households cooking with wood, dung, and charcoal are routinely exposed to hazardous indoor air pollution, which eventually escapes the house and contributes to outdoor air pollution. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has made significant financial allotments to reduce PM10, and many cities seem to have made progress. However, we are witnessing stories about unhealthy and hazardous air pollution. In fact, I was recently travelling from Chandigarh to New Delhi by the very comfortable and fast Vande Bharat Express and saw many farms on fire. Stubble burning had already started, and the nearby villages looked hazy. So, the title of this article may strike you as wishful thinking.
But I remain optimistic, and I will tell you why. We know the major sources of air pollution (it is not just stubble burning!), and we already have or soon will have access to cleaner alternatives, which will not only ensure we breathe clean air but also yield near-term climate co-benefits by eliminating climate-warming black carbon emissions.
