Clean Air Act needs an urgent clean-up

On Monday, the Supreme Court stayed its November ruling on the Aravali range, offering a breather to those fighting to preserve this ecosystem that plays a crucial role in mitigating air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Even as governments seek to open the range to mining and other infrastructure activities - through the front door or side - evidence of the health damage caused by Delhi's toxic air continues to mount. Hospitals and clinics are already reporting rising respiratory distress. Those who can afford to leave are increasingly contemplating, or already making, an exit.

One of the latest emigres 'fleeing' Delhi's pollution terrorism is Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals' finance chief Rajkumar Bafna, who stepped down citing serious health concerns. Bafna, who moved to Delhi barely 4 mths ago, has developed a persistent cough. He is not alone. GoI minister Nitin Gadkari recently said he develops infections within 48 hrs of being in the national capital. Air pollution is a public health emergency, much like Covid, and demands the same mission-mode urgency. Yet, governments tend to treat it as a civic governance issue rather than a health emergency.

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 does not place public health at its core. Instead, it seeks to 'prevent, control and reduce air pollution', without reference to health benchmarks. This framing treats pollution control as an end in itself, leaving space for competing considerations such as economic costs and industry capacity. The result is weakened public buy-in. The law needs to be amended Asap to place public health at its centre. Doing so will trigger a necessary shift in mindset - within government and society - and ensure that clean air becomes a political priority.