Every Breath Matters | Gist of Rajya Sabha TV / RSTV (now Sansad TV) - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Key Themes

• Global Crisis: Air pollution causes respiratory diseases, economic losses, and reduced productivity.
• India’s Challenge: Entire population exposed to air exceeding WHO pollution limits.
• Policy Initiatives: National Clean Air Program and renewable energy advancements.
• Citizen Role: Behavior change and community participation critical for success.

Key Highlights

• Global Health Risk: 99% breathe unsafe air, per WHO, impacting health and economies.
• Transboundary Issue: Pollution crosses borders, affecting regions like Bhutan.
• India’s Crisis: All citizens exposed to air beyond WHO safety limits.
• Urban Pollution Sources: Construction dust and waste burning major contributors.
• Urban Planning Needs: Green infrastructure and healthy buildings to reduce pollution.
• Policy Shift: National Clean Air Program urged to focus on PM2.5 over PM10.
• Citizen Engagement: Lifestyle changes and public awareness key to enforcement.

Key Insights

1. Transboundary Pollution
   Air pollution’s cross-border impact, such as Indian states affecting Bhutan, necessitates international cooperation and synchronized policies.

2. India’s Air Quality Crisis
   With the entire population exposed to unsafe air, India faces a public health emergency, requiring urgent, targeted interventions.

3. Urbanization Drivers
   Construction dust and waste burning, driven by rapid urban growth, demand innovative regulatory and construction practices.

4. Built Environment Solutions
   Integrating air quality into urban planning with green infrastructure and energy-efficient buildings enhances livability and reduces pollution.

5. PM2.5 Focus Needed
   Shifting from PM10 to PM2.5 monitoring targets toxic combustion-based pollutants, improving health outcomes through precise interventions.

6. Implementation Gaps
   Despite renewable energy progress, incomplete source apportionment studies and weak enforcement hinder effective pollution control.

7. Citizen-Driven Change
   Public awareness, avoiding waste burning, and demanding better infrastructure amplify policy enforcement and drive sustainable change.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Challenges: Enforcing regulations, scaling source apportionment, and addressing diffuse pollution sources.
• Opportunities: Leveraging green infrastructure, enhancing citizen engagement, and advancing international cooperation.

Conclusion

The International Day of Clean Air 2025 highlights air pollution’s global and Indian challenges, with 99% breathing unsafe air. India’s efforts through the National Clean Air Program and urban planning innovations, coupled with citizen participation, are critical to combat pollution. Multisectoral collaboration and a focus on PM2.5 will drive progress, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision for a cleaner, healthier future by 2047.