Overview

At the heart of this transformative work lies a revolutionary premise: every rupee invested in clean air delivers exponential returns across society. When we reduce urban air pollution, we simultaneously save lives (SDG 3), build livable cities (SDG 11), protect agricultural productivity (SDG 2), and accelerate the clean energy transition (SDG 7). This book brilliantly illuminates these interconnections through rigorous scientific analysis, compelling case studies from Indian cities, and actionable policy frameworks that decision-makers can implement immediately. The journey begins by dissecting India's air pollution emergency across 14 critically affected cities, revealing the stark reality that toxic air claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually while imposing devastating economic costs equivalent to 2-4% of GDP. Yet rather than dwelling on despair, the authors pivot to solutions, showcasing how Delhi's innovative smog towers, Chandigarh's bicycle-sharing networks, and Surat's pioneering particulate matter trading system demonstrate that Indian ingenuity can tackle even the most daunting environmental challenges. What makes this volume truly exceptional is its refusal to treat air quality in isolation. The chapters on stubble burning masterfully connect agricultural practices in Punjab and Haryana to urban smog episodes, proposing residue management alternatives that simultaneously improve farmer livelihoods and city air quality. The exploration of clean energy pathways reveals how India's renewable energy revolution can create millions of green jobs-with particular attention to gender equity-while eliminating power sector emissions choking our cities. The deep dive into urban mobility demonstrates how transit-oriented development, low-emission zones, and non-motorized transport can decongest roads, reduce emissions, and enhance quality of life. The book's treatment of technological innovations is both visionary and pragmatic. From next-generation air sensors and IoT networks to electric vehicle infrastructure and AI-driven pollution forecasting, readers gain insight into cutting-edge tools transforming air quality management. Yet the authors never lose sight of nature-based solutions, dedicating substantial attention to urban greening, green corridors, and phytoremediation strategies that deliver air purification alongside biodiversity conservation and urban cooling. Perhaps most powerfully, this volume champions environmental justice and breathing equity as fundamental rights. The chapters on equity and governance expose how pollution burdens fall disproportionately on marginalized communities while outlining rights-based approaches ensuring every Indian-regardless of income, location, or social status-can access clean air. The emphasis on community engagement, citizen science, and grassroots advocacy recognizes that lasting transformation requires mobilizing India's greatest resource: its people. The institutional frameworks and financing mechanisms explored here provide roadmaps for scaling successful pilots to national strategies. The National Clean Air Programme receives thorough analysis identifying implementation gaps while proposing adaptive governance structures, innovative financing instruments including green bonds and blended finance, and multi-level coordination mechanisms ensuring policy coherence from village councils to Parliament.

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