Breathing on the Brink: Why AQI Matters in India and How We Can Act Now

Breathing on the Brink: Why AQI Matters in India and How We Can Act Now

copyright @prashantlal1961

Air Quality Index (AQI) has become one of the most discussed environmental and public-health issues in India — and with good reason. When you wake up to smoggy skies, children wearing masks on their way to school, or news tickers reporting “very poor” or “severe” air quality, it’s not just alarmism — it’s a reflection of scientifically measured air pollution with serious health and economic implications. But why exactly is AQI so central to the conversation in India? What are its strengths and limitations? And how do we, as citizens and policymakers, divide responsibility to improve it? Let’s unpack this topic with data, science and practical insights — in the spirit of a thoughtful blog.

What is AQI — and Why Is It So Prominent in India?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a composite measure that translates concentrations of multiple air pollutants — such as PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, SO₂, CO, O₃, NH₃ and Lead — into a single number on a scale (typically 0–500), with higher values indicating worse air quality and greater health risk.

In India, AQI has gained national prominence because:

1. It’s a uniform, real-time indicator that tells people how clean or polluted the air around them is.

2. It informs health advisories (e.g., whether vulnerable groups should limit outdoor exposure).
3. It’s now widely reported on apps, news and government dashboards — making air quality visible to all.
4. Most Indian cities register persistent pollution levels far above health-safe thresholds, especially in winter.

Indeed, data shows that India’s average PM2.5 levels — the most dangerous fine particulate matter — are over 10 times higher than the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5 µg/m³. Many cities in the Indo-Gangetic Plains hit AQI values above 300 (“very poor” or “severe”) for weeks on end during winter months.

The Science Behind AQI and Health

Why Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Matters Most
PM2.5 are tiny airborne particles (≤2.5 micrometres) that easily penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream, carrying toxins and heavy metals. Chronic exposure is linked to heart disease, stroke, reduced lung function, cancer and even neurological effects.

Scientific estimates suggest India accounts for about 30 % of global air pollution deaths, despite having around 18 % of the world’s population — a stark indication of the human toll.

AQI’s Public Health Signal

An AQI of 0–50 is considered “good”, but Indian cities rarely stay in this range. Levels above 200 are classified as “unhealthy” — meaning even healthy adults may experience breathing discomfort — and above 300 is “very poor” to “severe”, increasing risks for everyone.

Research even equates chronic pollution exposure in cities like Delhi to the equivalent of smoking multiple cigarettes daily — highlighting how deeply air quality affects our lungs.

Pros and Cons of AQI as a Tool
Pros (Why AQI Is Useful)
✔ Simplifies Complex Data — Instead of chemical jargon, citizens see a clear scale indicating health risk.
✔ Real-Time Guidance — Helps individuals make immediate choices about outdoor activity, school closures, or mask use.
✔ Policy and Planning — Governments use AQI trends to trigger emergency responses (like reducing vehicle traffic) and long-term planning.
✔ Transparency & Accountability — Data forces public authorities to monitor and respond to pollution, rather than dismiss it.

Environmental Studies (EVS) Institute

Cons (Limitations and Misunderstandings)
✖ Not a Complete Health Picture — AQI reports the worst pollutant at a moment but doesn’t capture cumulative health burden or long-term chemical composition differences.
✖ Scale Variations — Different countries use slightly different scales, so international comparisons can be misleading.
✖ Monitoring Gaps — Many Indian cities lack sufficient monitoring stations for accurate representation, potentially underestimating local pollution.

Everyday Habits That Help Improve AQI

Whether or not you see AQI on a dashboard, individual behaviour matters:
1. Reduce Vehicle Emissions
– Use public transport, car-pools or non-motorised options like walking and cycling.
– Prefer electric or low-emission vehicles when possible.
2. Avoid Burning Waste
– Do not burn leaves, plastics or trash at home — open burning is a major source of the local PM.
– Support community composting and recycling.
3. Clean Cooking and Energy Use
– Choose cleaner fuels (LPG, biogas, induction) over solid biomass in kitchens.
– Properly maintain appliances to reduce emissions.
4. Greenery and Home Interventions
– Plant trees and vegetation that can trap dust and particulates.
– Indoors, ensure good ventilation and consider air purifiers if AQI is high.
5. Awareness and Preparedness
– Check AQI forecasts before planning outdoor exercise.
– Wear appropriately rated masks (e.g., N95) on high-AQI days.

Shared Responsibility:

Government vs Citizens
Government must:
– Improve Monitoring: Expand air quality monitoring networks for real coverage.
– Enforce Emission Standards: Strengthen regulations for industries and vehicles.
– Urban Planning: Prioritise efficient public transport, green buffers, and low-emission zones.
– Support Farmers: Provide alternatives to crop stubble burning, which contributes to seasonal spikes.
– Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens about health risks and preventive actions.

Citizens can:

1. Adopt Clean Travel Choices: Use buses, trains and cycling lanes.
2. Minimise Household Pollutants: Switch to cleaner cooking fuels and avoid waste burning.
3. Participate in Local Efforts: Join community green initiatives and hold local representatives accountable.
4. Stay Informed and Act: Check AQI daily; avoid outdoor exertion when levels are high.

AQI is more than a number — it’s an urgent health metric that tells a story about how we live, how our cities are designed, and how we value clean air. India’s battle with high AQI is rooted in deep structural issues — from transport and industry to agriculture and energy. Yet, with scientific monitoring, strong policy, citizen engagement and behavioural change, cleaner air isn’t just aspirational — it’s achievable.

Breathing clean air should be a right, not a luxury. Science has shown us the risks — now we must act together.