Tackling NCR's air pollution needs sustainable focus, not quick fixes

Delhi and its neighbours - Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab - point fingers at one another. Stubble burning by farmers, vehicular emissions, and construction work are all blamed

For over two decades now, the National Capital Region’s (NCR’s) air pollution and alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers have consistently garnered attention by October each year. The media carries front-page reports and television discussions. Hospitals report a sharp spike in pulmonary diseases. And reports on the most polluted global cities sees Delhi take the top spot.

 

Politicians get into the act, squabble over the possible causes of air pollution and play the blame game. Delhi and its neighbours — Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab — point fingers at one another. Stubble burning by farmers, vehicular emissions, and construction work