Context:

India’s air pollution crisis has evolved from a seasonal concern into a persistent public health emergency. Urban skylines disappearing under layers of smog, overflowing hospitals with respiratory cases, and frequent school closures point to the alarming scale of the issue. Indian cities consistently rank among the most polluted globally, and without a coordinated, inclusive, and locally-driven strategy, the situation may deteriorate further.

Institutional and Structural Complexities

Air pollution in India is not merely a technical issue; it is deeply embedded in structural and governance-related challenges. It reflects a mix of socio-economic disparities, weak municipal capacity, behavioral norms, and fragmented institutional mandates. Municipal bodies — key actors in controlling local pollution sources — often lack adequate funding, data access, and administrative autonomy. Their responsibilities are rarely aligned with national clean air targets.

India aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 40% (from 2017 levels) by 2026 under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), but progress remains slow. This is due in part to a reliance on ambient air quality data, which can fluctuate based on meteorological factors and may not accurately reflect ground-level interventions. A shift toward activity-based metrics — such as the number of biomass stoves replaced or diesel vehicles retired — is needed to measure real impact.

Key Interventions and Their Gaps

India has introduced several programs to combat air pollution:

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Targets 20–30% reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 by 2026 in 132 cities.
• Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI): Introduced in 2020 to enforce strict vehicular emission norms.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Promotes LPG usage to reduce dependence on biomass.
• FAME II: Incentivizes electric vehicles.
• Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban): Addresses urban waste, a significant pollution source.

However, between 2019 and 2023, only about 60% of NCAP funds were utilized — not due to lack of intent, but due to institutional misalignment and poor coordination. Additionally, India’s clean air budget is dwarfed by global comparisons; China invested ?22 lakh crore over five years, while India’s NCAP allocation is less than 1% of that. Even when related programs (PMUY: ?18,128 crore; FAME II: ?10,795 crore; SBM-U: ?1.4 lakh crore) are included, the challenge lies in integrating these efforts meaningfully.

The Need for a Phased, Data-Driven Approach

A transformative clean air strategy should include:

• Phase I: Build high-resolution, local emissions inventories.
• Phase II: Link funding to data-driven, actionable plans.
• Phase III: Track reductions in emissions, not just pollution concentrations.

Governance reforms must empower local authorities, integrate air quality goals into urban planning, and ensure open access to real-time emissions data.

Guarding Against Technological Overdependence

India must avoid over-reliance on AI dashboards, smog towers, and other high-tech tools that may benefit elite urban areas while neglecting rural and informal sectors — major contributors to emissions. Instead of focusing on optics, efforts must prioritize structural reforms and equitable interventions.

Global Lessons, Local Adaptation

India can learn from other countries:

• China: Closed coal plants aggressively.
• Brazil: Enabled community-led waste management.
• California: Reinvested pollution revenue in vulnerable populations.
• London: Implemented bans before adopting high-tech monitoring.

India’s path must be rooted in federalism, tailored to its informal economy, and driven by behavioral and structural change. Clean air must be recognized as a universal right, not a privilege — and achieving it demands people-centric governance, consistent funding, and courageous implementation.

In News:

The fragile ecosystems of the Indian Himalayas are increasingly threatened by mounting plastic pollution. According to the Himalayan Cleanup (THC) 2024 report, over 70% of the plastic waste collected in this region is non-recyclable, posing a severe environmental and ecological challenge. This pollution not only endangers biodiversity but also impacts the livelihoods and health of mountain communities reliant on pristine natural resources.

Nature and Sources of Plastic Pollution

The report highlights that more than 80% of plastic debris in the Himalayas stems from single-use food and beverage packaging. These include instant noodles, energy drinks, and snack wrappers, with prominent brands such as Wai Wai, Maggi, Sting, Mountain Dew, Lays, and Bingo contributing substantially to the waste load. A striking 71% of this plastic waste comprises multi-layered plastics (MLPs), which are notoriously difficult to recycle due to their composite nature and lack of viable recycling markets.

Multi-layered plastics form nearly 68.5% of the total waste, rendering traditional recycling methods ineffective. These plastics often end up as litter in remote mountain areas, where waste collection and management infrastructure is minimal or absent, exacerbating environmental degradation.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Implications

Plastic pollution in the Himalayas disrupts fragile mountain ecosystems, threatening native flora and fauna. The persistence of non-biodegradable waste affects soil quality, water sources, and the aesthetic and cultural value of the region. Moreover, plastic litter contributes to microplastic contamination in water bodies, entering food chains and posing health risks to local populations and wildlife alike.

Economically, the growing plastic menace undermines tourism, a vital livelihood source in many Himalayan districts. Untouched landscapes attract visitors, but increasing waste reduces their appeal, impacting local economies dependent on sustainable tourism.

Policy Recommendations from the THC 2024 Report

To address this mounting crisis, the report recommends comprehensive policy and administrative measures:

• Ban on Multi-Layered Plastics (MLPs): Given that MLPs constitute nearly 68.5% of plastic waste and are largely non-recyclable, the report calls for an immediate ban on their manufacture, sale, and distribution, especially in sensitive ecological zones such as the Himalayas.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The report urges policymakers to enforce stringent EPR frameworks, holding manufacturers and brands accountable for the lifecycle of their packaging waste. This would incentivize producers to innovate sustainable packaging solutions and participate actively in waste collection and recycling.
• Restrict Junk Food and Energy Drinks near Schools: Recognizing the health and environmental impact, the report recommends banning the sale of such products near educational institutions to curb littering and reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food items.
• Mandatory Front-of-Pack Labelling: To inform consumers about the environmental and health risks, the report advocates mandatory clear labelling on high-risk products, promoting responsible consumption.
• Transition from Recycling to Waste-Redesign: The focus should shift from merely recycling waste to redesigning packaging to eliminate waste generation at source. Adopting a ‘design-out-waste’ approach can significantly reduce plastic pollution.
• Empowering Local Governance: The report emphasizes strengthening rural and mountain municipalities by providing technical resources, funding, and training in waste management to enhance local capacity to handle plastic waste effectively.

Conclusion

The Himalayan plastic pollution crisis underscores the urgent need for coordinated action involving governments, industries, and local communities. Effective implementation of bans on non-recyclable plastics, coupled with robust producer responsibility laws and community-based waste management, can restore the ecological balance of the Himalayas. Additionally, fostering public awareness and promoting sustainable consumption patterns remain crucial in preserving this ecologically sensitive and culturally significant region for future generations.

In News:

India has seen a significant increase in electronic waste (e-waste) generation, rising by 72.54% from 1.01 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2019-20 to 1.751 million MT in 2023-24. The sharpest rise occurred between 2019-20 and 2020-21, driven by increased electronic consumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic's work-from-home and remote learning arrangements.

Environmental and Health Concerns

E-waste contains hazardous substances like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. If not properly managed, these materials can severely impact human health and the environment, contaminating soil and water sources.

Government Efforts: E-Waste Management Rules, 2022

• Introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The government introduced the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, effective from April 1, 2023. These rules focus on making producers responsible for the recycling of e-waste. Producers are assigned recycling targets based on the quantity of e-waste generated or products sold and must purchase EPR certificates from authorized recyclers to meet these targets.
• Integration of Bulk Consumers: Public institutions and government offices, categorized as bulk consumers, are mandated to dispose of e-waste only through registered recyclers or refurbishers, ensuring proper treatment and recycling of the waste.
• Expansion of E-Waste Coverage: The updated rules expanded the scope to include 106 Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) items from FY 2023-24, up from 21 items previously covered under the 2016 E-Waste Rules.

Challenges in E-Waste Recycling and Disposal

• Low Recycling Rates: Although the share of e-waste recycled in India has increased from 22% in 2019-20 to 43% in 2023-24, a significant 57% of e-waste remains unprocessed annually. Informal sector practices, which dominate e-waste handling, often lack the necessary environmental safeguards, leading to improper disposal and environmental contamination.
• Lack of Infrastructure and Awareness: India faces challenges in building adequate infrastructure for e-waste collection and recycling, resulting in improper disposal in landfills. Furthermore, a lack of public awareness regarding proper disposal methods exacerbates the problem.

Global Context and India’s Position

• India ranks as the third-largest e-waste generator globally, following China and the United States. With an increasing rate of e-waste generation, the country faces an urgent need to improve recycling efficiency and adopt sustainable disposal methods.

International and National Conventions on E-Waste

• India is a signatory to several international conventions that govern hazardous waste management, including the Basel Convention, which regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, and the Minamata Convention, which focuses on mercury. At the national level, India has established the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, and other frameworks to manage and reduce e-waste effectively.

Strategic Recommendations for Effective E-Waste Management

• Harnessing the Informal Sector: India’s informal sector, which handles a significant portion of e-waste, must be integrated into the formal recycling systems. This can be achieved through training and financial support to ensure safe and environmentally responsible recycling practices.
• Technological Innovations: Encouraging research into advanced recycling technologies, such as AI and IoT-based solutions for efficient e-waste collection and tracking, will be crucial for improving the e-waste management system.
• Learning from Global Practices: Countries like the European Union (EU) and Japan have set strong examples. The EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and Japan’s Home Appliance Recycling Law emphasize Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and provide models for India to adapt.

Conclusion

To address the growing e-waste challenge, India must improve its recycling infrastructure, integrate the informal sector, and adopt best practices from international models. With sustainable and effective strategies, India can mitigate the environmental and health risks posed by e-waste while promoting a circular economy.

Introduction

Recently, the Supreme Court of India expressed serious concerns about the ongoing issue of stubble burning in the states of Punjab and Haryana. The Court criticized the selective enforcement of penalties for stubble burning and emphasized that such practices violate citizens' fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to live in a pollution-free environment.

Court’s Observations on Stubble Burning

• The Supreme Court highlighted the failure of state governments in effectively implementing laws against stubble burning.
• Selective Enforcement: The Punjab and Haryana governments were accused of prosecuting only a few violators while allowing many others to escape punishment by paying a nominal fine.
• The Court observed that this approach is a blatant violation of the right to live in a pollution-free environment, which is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Right to a Pollution-Free Environment

• The Court emphasized that every citizen has the fundamental right to live in an environment free from pollution, as mandated by Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The Court questioned the effectiveness of current environmental regulations, specifically pointing out the lack of proper machinery to collect fines under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Impact of Stubble Burning

Stubble burning, primarily in the northern states of India, exacerbates air pollution, especially in Delhi and surrounding regions. The seasonal spike in air pollution during the months of October and November is largely attributed to farm fires. This not only worsens the air quality but also has severe implications for public health.

Environmental and Health Consequences

• Air Pollution: The burning of crop residues significantly contributes to the rise in PM2.5 and PM10 levels, leading to hazardous air quality.
• Soil Health: Burning crop residues depletes essential nutrients from the soil, reducing organic carbon content and harming soil fertility.

Health Risks

• Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter (PM) can lead to respiratory problems, heart diseases, and other health complications for the population, especially in densely populated areas like Delhi.

Legal and Institutional Shortcomings

• Inadequate Implementation: Despite laws and penalties being in place, the lack of an effective enforcement mechanism has resulted in the persistence of stubble burning.
• Toothless Penalties: The Supreme Court criticized the amended Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, which replaced criminal penalties with financial fines for environmental violations. However, the lack of rules and appointed adjudicating officers has rendered this provision ineffective.
• No Serious Enforcement: The failure of the Central government and state authorities to implement effective penalties has led to widespread non-compliance with environmental laws.

Government Actions and Responses

Centre’s Efforts:

• The Central Government has introduced a Central Sector Scheme to promote agricultural mechanization for in-situ management of crop residue in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
• The government provides financial assistance of up to 50% for the purchase of machinery, such as the Happy Seeder, to manage paddy stubble without burning.
• A total of ?3,062 crore has been released from 2018 to 2023 to tackle stubble burning.

State-Level Actions:

• The Punjab government has introduced cash incentives for farmers who refrain from burning stubble. Additionally, the state is offering non-fiscal incentives, such as access to panchayat land for storing paddy straw.
• The Pusa Decomposer, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), is a bio-enzyme used to decompose crop residue. It helps in turning the stubble into manure within 20-25 days, enhancing soil health.

Challenges for Farmers:

• Many farmers still prefer burning stubble due to high costs associated with alternative methods of residue management.
• The Happy Seeder and other machinery remain expensive and are not affordable for most small-scale farmers, leading them to resort to burning as the most cost-effective option.

Court’s Directive and the Way Forward

• The Supreme Court directed the Centre and state governments to ensure better enforcement of laws related to air pollution, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution.
• The Court also urged the Union Government to consider Punjab’s request for additional funds to tackle the stubble burning issue and to strengthen the enforcement mechanism.
• Urgency for Action: The Court’s observations suggest that the existing framework needs urgent reforms to protect citizens’ right to a pollution-free environment.

Constitutional Provisions Related to Environmental Protection

India’s Constitution provides several provisions to ensure the protection of the environment:

Article 21: Right to Life and Environment

• In the landmark case Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), the Supreme Court held that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to a wholesome environment.
• This view was reiterated in Virender Gaur v. State of Haryana (1994), further strengthening the legal framework for environmental protection.

Directive Principles of State Policy

• Article 48A: The State is mandated to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 39(e) and 47: These Articles place a duty on the State to promote public health and ensure environmental protection.

Fundamental Duties

• Article 51A(g) places a duty on citizens to preserve and protect the environment.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling highlights the urgent need for better implementation of environmental laws and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights under Article 21. While government schemes are in place, a more robust and consistent approach is required to address the issue of stubble burning and air pollution. Immediate reforms in the enforcement mechanisms and incentives for farmers are crucial to achieve a sustainable, pollution-free environment in India.

India has emerged as the top global plastic polluter, releasing 9.3 million tonnes (Mt) of plastic annually, accounting for nearly 20% of the world's total plastic emissions.

Top Plastic Polluters:

1. India: 9.3 Mt
2. Nigeria: 3.5 Mt
3. Indonesia: 3.4 Mt
4. China: Previously first, now fourth, due to improvements in waste management practices such as incineration and controlled landfills.

Understanding Plastic Emissions

Plastic emissions refer to plastic that escapes from managed systems into unmanaged or uncontrolled environments. These emissions can occur throughout the lifecycle of plastic, from production through to disposal.

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

The INC, established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2022, is working towards creating a global binding treaty on plastic pollution. The committee addresses the entire plastic lifecycle:

• INC Sessions:
  • INC-1: Punta del Este, Uruguay (November 2022)
  • INC-2: Paris, France (May – June 2023)
  • INC-3: Nairobi, Kenya (December 2023)
  • INC-4: Ottawa, Canada (2024)
  • INC-5: Scheduled for South Korea (November 2024)

Status of Waste Generation in India

• Underreported Waste Generation: Official figures estimate 0.12 kilograms per person per day, which may be higher in reality.
• Excluded Data:
  • Waste from rural areas.
  • Waste recycled by the informal sector.
  • Open burning of uncollected waste.

Global Trends in Plastic Pollution

• Sources of Pollution:
  • Global North: Littering is a major contributor.
  • Global South: Uncollected waste is the primary source of plastic pollution.
• Top Polluting Countries: 69% of global plastic waste emissions come from 20 countries, mostly low- and middle-income nations.
• High-Income Countries: Although these countries produce more plastic waste, their advanced waste management systems prevent them from being top polluters.

India's Initiatives to Address Plastic Waste

• UNDP India’s Plastic Waste Management Program (2018-2024): Focuses on improving plastic waste management practices.
• Ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUP): Prohibits the manufacture, import, sale, and use of plastic bags thinner than 120 microns.
• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2022): Introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, with targets for recycling, reusing, and using recycled plastic.
• Swachh Bharat Mission: Launched in 2014 to improve waste management and eliminate open defecation.
• India Plastics Pact: Aims to transform the plastic lifecycle.
• Project REPLAN: Focuses on creating carry bags from a blend of plastic waste and cotton fibers.
• Un-Plastic Collective: Promotes a circular economy to reduce unnecessary plastic use and environmental impact.
• GoLitter Partnerships Project: Targets reducing marine plastic litter from fisheries and shipping.

Global Initiatives to Combat Plastic Pollution

• Closing the Loop: A UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific project to develop policies addressing plastic waste.
• Global Tourism Plastics Initiative: Aims to reduce plastic pollution from the tourism sector by 2025.
• EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (2021): Seeks to minimize plastic waste in the environment.

Why is it in the News?

The air quality in Delhi-NCR declined over the past week due to a gradual drop in temperatures, calm winds that trap pollution, and a surge in post-harvest paddy straw burning across Punjab and Haryana.

Context:

• The air quality in Delhi has plummeted to hit the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season, with the AQI breaching the 450 mark according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• The State government implemented restrictions, including banning construction and demolition activities.
• Over the last few years, Delhi and its surrounding areas have been subject to hazardous smog, which conincides with the winter months rolling in.
• Smoke from farmers burning crop stubble, vehicle exhaust and factory emissions combine every winter to blanket the region in a toxic haze.

What is Pollution?

• Pollution refers to the contamination of the earth's environment with materials that interfere with human health, quality of life or the natural functioning of the ecosystems.
• The major forms of pollution include water pollution, air pollution, noise pollution and soil contamination.
• Other less-recognised forms include thermal pollution and radioactive hazards.

What are the Reasons behind Rising Air Pollution in Delhi?

• Delhi is one of the most polluted capital cities in the world for a variety of factors, including location (landlocked city), traffic patterns, dust, and farm fires.
• However, weather also has a significant impact.
• Typically, Delhi experiences deteriorating air quality from October to November, with improvements occurring from March to April.
• Unlike the winter season, the current weather conditions are not unfavorable.
• During winter, cool and calm weather tends to trap and intensify daily pollution, especially in northern India within the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
• In addition to local emissions, the decline in air quality is primarily attributed to an increase in fire incidents, largely resulting from the burning of wheat crop stubble in northern India especially Punjab and Haryana.
• Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR and the Indo-Gangetic Plains is a complex issue influenced by a variety of factors.
• Location: Delhi is a landlocked city compared to Mumbai and Kolkata so the level of pollution is more as the level of particulate matter and pollutants is not able to get discharged into the surrounding areas.
• Wind Direction: In October, the monsoons withdraw from Northwest India, bringing northwesterly winds.
• During summers, northwesterly winds transport dust from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Reduced Wind Speed: Winters see lower wind speeds compared to summers, making the region more susceptible to pollution.
• Delhi's landlocked position doesn't benefit from the sea breeze that disperses pollutants in other parts of the country.
• Stubble Burning: Burning crop stubble in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana adds to the winter smog.
• This practice releases harmful gases like methane, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
• Vehicular Pollution: Vehicular emissions significantly contribute to declining air quality in Delhi during winter, accounting for about 20% of the problem.
• Dust Storms: Dust storms from Gulf countries worsen the existing pollution levels.
• Dry and cold weather results in dusty conditions from October to June, contributing to PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants.
• Temperature Drop: Lower temperatures reduce the inversion height, concentrating pollutants in the lower atmosphere.
• The inversion height is the layer beyond which pollutants cannot disperse upward.
• Firecrackers: Despite bans on firecracker sales, Diwali celebrations with fireworks contribute to air pollution.
• Construction Activities and Open Waste Burning: Large-scale construction projects in Delhi-NCR increase dust and pollution.
• Landfill sites and open waste burning also add to air pollution concerns.

Impact of Air Pollution on health:

• Respiratory Issues: Air pollution is a major cause of respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections.
• It can exacerbate existing conditions and increase the risk of developing them.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: Poor air quality is linked to heart problems, including heart attacks and stroke, as it can lead to the buildup of plaque in blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
• Cancer Risk: Long-term exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with an increased risk of lung and other types of cancer.
• Neurological Effects: Emerging research suggests that air pollution may have adverse effects on the central nervous system and could be linked to cognitive decline and mental health issues.
• Reduced Life Expectancy: Prolonged exposure to air pollution is associated with a shortened life expectancy, as it contributes to a range of health problems that can be life-threatening.

Impact of Air Pollution on Economic Growth:

• Healthcare Costs: Air pollution increases medical expenses due to illnesses, reducing economic growth.
• Lower Productivity: Poor air quality impairs worker productivity, hampering economic output.
• Tourism and Investment: Severe pollution deters tourists and investors, affecting local economies.
• Agricultural Losses: Air pollution harms crops, impacting food production and livelihoods.
• Environmental Cleanup Costs: Funds spent on pollution control divert resources from productive sectors, hindering economic growth.

What Steps Should Be Taken to Address Pollution in Delhi?

• Congestion Charge: Introducing a congestion charge for private vehicles during peak hours can alleviate traffic congestion and promote public transport or carpooling.
• Revenue generated from this charge can support green projects or subsidize electric vehicles, encouraging eco-friendly choices.
• Cap-and-Trade for Industrial Emissions: Implementing a cap-and-trade system sets emission limits for industries, fostering a market-driven approach to pollution reduction.
• This incentivizes industries to lower emissions and invest in cleaner technologies, ultimately reducing pollution.
• Drones for Pollution Control: Utilizing drones to detect and mitigate pollution hotspots is a proactive measure for managing air quality.
• Drones provide real-time air quality data with high resolution, allowing for public accessibility and targeted intervention.
• Vertical Gardens: Incorporating vertical gardens in urban areas enhances aesthetics and air quality.
• They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and create habitats for wildlife, contributing to urban biodiversity.
• Rewards for Low-Carbon Lifestyles: Promoting low-carbon living through a rewards system, such as points, vouchers, or tax benefits for eco-friendly choices like public transport or carpooling, encourages environmentally conscious behavior, reducing carbon footprints.

Government Measures to Combat Pollution in Delhi:

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Aims to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 particles by at least 20% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): As per a Supreme Court order, GRAP outlines actions based on different Air Quality Index categories, addressing air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region.
• Stubble Burning Mitigation: Various short-term solutions, both in-situ and ex-situ, have been introduced to address crop stubble burning, such as Subsidy to farmers for Turbo happy seeders and bio-decomposers.
• Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) is a machine mounted on a tractor that cuts and uproots the stubble, in order to reduce stubble burning.
• Mobile Enforcement Teams: Enforce regulations against vehicular pollution, complemented by public awareness campaigns and investments in mass rapid transport systems. Phasing out old commercial vehicles is also underway.
• Cleaner Transport: The introduction of BS-VI vehicles, push for electric vehicles (EVs), Odd-Even as an emergency measure and construction of the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to reduce vehicular pollution.
• Improved Farming Practices: Encouraging better disposal of crop residue and exploring cost-effective solutions, like chemical decomposition by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, are essential for tackling stubble burning.
• "Green War Room": This initiative uses satellite data to identify sources of smog, particularly farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, and takes necessary action.

In response to a growing environmental and health crisis, antipollution measures are being strengthened. However, to ensure success, government bodies at various levels must need to gather the political will to boost investment, foster cross-boundary cooperation, and motivate both citizens and businesses to make their contributions.