Air pollution is a complex issue, rooted in everything from urban planning and industrial policy to individual choices and political will.
In an era where progress is often measured by technological advancements and economic growth, the bustling and culturally vibrant streets of India are undergoing rapid transformation as the nation moves from “India @75” towards “Bharat @100”. However, air pollution exists in urban India as an insidious threat that silently permeates every corner of daily life. The nation, grappling with the consequences of rapid industrialization and urban sprawl in the name of “economic growth”, now finds itself at the crossroads of an imminent health crisis, with deteriorating air quality posing severe risks to the well-being of its citizens.
The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks several Indian cities among the top 20 most air-polluted cities globally (Figure 1), highlighting the urgency of addressing this pervasive issue. In addition to nine metropolitan cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat), several other cities and towns across the country experience alarming levels of particulate matter and toxic gases, contributing to a growing public health emergency. The consequences are severe, with respiratory diseases, cardiovascular complications, and other health issues on the rise. Ironically, public health and economic growth of the country are deeply interconnected. A healthy population is a productive one. Lower absenteeism from work due to illness, reduced healthcare costs, and improved well-being–all contribute to higher economic efficiency and competitiveness.
Figure 1: Dark exhaust from a yellow taxi in Kolkata highlights the city's urban air quality concerns
The most overlooked or neglected victims of this silent crisis are the vulnerable populations–particularly children, the ailing, and the elderly. Children, with their developing respiratory systems, face a heightened risk of asthma and other chronic respiratory ailments, thereby threatening the future workforce of the country, and by extension paralyzing the economic growth. The elderly, often managing pre-existing health conditions, find their well-being further compromised by poor air quality. The burden of healthcare on these demographics is escalating and poses a serious threat to the vision of “Bharat @100”. India has been projected as a key partner of the future global supply chain, and thus, it is essential to nurture a healthy population—not merely by boosting the health infrastructure, but by addressing the root causes of health issues.
Fortunately, there are institutions working tirelessly to reverse this trajectory. Among them, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) stands out as a torchbearer for clean air and sustainable development. For over five decades, TERI has been at the forefront of scientific research, clean technology innovation, and policy advocacy, quietly pushing for cleaner fuels, better governance, and community-level interventions.
TERI’s initiatives have spanned both rural and urban India. One of its landmark efforts has been to promote improved cooking solutions in economically disadvantaged households. Millions of rural homes still rely on solid fuels, contributing to severe indoor air pollution. By introducing cleaner stoves and advocating for behavioural change, TERI has helped improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks, particularly for women and children.
In the industrial sector, TERI is working to replace conventional fossil fuels with “green coal” made from biomass and waste materials. These bio-briquettes (pellets) not only reduce emissions but also offer a sustainable solution to agricultural and municipal waste (Figure 2). The institute is also investing in advanced renewable energy sources, looking beyond coal and diesel to power the future with cleaner alternatives.
Figure 2: Landfill fires are a significant source of air pollution in India
But TERI’s role goes beyond technology. It has been instrumental in shaping air quality policies based on sound scientific evidence. Through collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions, TERI has influenced regional and national policies that prioritize clean air and public health. From developing city-level emissions inventories to contributing to the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the data-driven approach of the institute has translated into tangible policy outcomes.
Public engagement is a cornerstone of TERI’s strategy. Recognizing that community participation is key to tackling a challenge of this scale, TERI actively runs awareness campaigns, conducts workshops and impactful educational initiatives across the country. It empowers citizens, educates children, trains local officials, and collaborates with the media to bring clean air into the mainstream–making it a public priority, not just an environmental concern.
Importantly, TERI also emphasizes capacity-building. Whether it is about equipping journalists with a deeper and holistic understanding of air quality science or training policymakers in emissions control (Figure 3), the goal is to democratize knowledge and build institutional strength across sectors.
Figure 3: Road dust resuspension is a primary source of air pollution in most Indian cities
The road ahead is challenging. Air pollution is a complex issue, rooted in everything from urban planning and industrial policy to individual choices and political will. Yet, it is not insurmountable. What it demands is sustained commitment, inter-ministerial coordination, and a recognition that the right to breathe clean air must be non-negotiable.
As India approaches its centenary of independence, the citizens must ask themselves: What kind of country do we want to become–a global superpower driven by innovation and industry, or one hobbled by poor health and environmental neglect? The dream of “Bharat @100” will remain just a dream, unless we confront the invisible enemy clouding our skies and choking our lungs.