Face2News/Chandigarh :

Millions of people in the Indo-Gangetic plains are at risk due to outdated policies, staff shortages, and fragmented monitoring in Air Quality (AQ) governance. Immediate reforms are essential to create a system that prioritises public health and ensures effective pollution control.

Key Areas for Reform:

Strengthening Pollution Control Boards (PCBs): With nearly half of PCB positions vacant, there is a lack of expertise and manpower needed to respond to air pollution challenges effectively. Filling these positions with skilled professionals, including environmental experts, young professionals, and program managers, is critical for building PCB capacity.

Updating Outdated Policies and Processes:

Current AQ policies do not align with today’s standards and technologies. For example, the Pollution Under Control (PUC) process, initially designed for older vehicles, does not account for BS-VI standards. In industrial settings, Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) are used but lack the legal support needed for enforcement. Updating these policies will enable more accurate monitoring and compliance, thus improving air quality outcomes.

The Need for Immediate Action:

Talking about the plan that is already in place, said Adarsh Pal Vig, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Chairman said, “Punjab's action plan emphasizes broad reforms to reduce pollution. Upgraded monitoring and real-time data systems support quick responses and stricter pollution controls. This data-driven approach has significantly reduced stubble burning, especially in hotspot districts, due to targeted awareness campaigns and strong enforcement by local officials. Farmers are embracing sustainable stubble management practices and earning extra income from selling stubble bales, creating both environmental and economic benefits.”

But the health risks posed by poor air quality are escalating, strengthening AQ governance is essential to create a transparent, reliable, and effective system that prioritizes public health. GDi Partners, a social impact consulting firm that drives impactful reforms across sectors, including public health and environmental management, has been working closely with the government of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi government over the last few years to strengthen air quality governance. Ankur Bansal, the founder at GDi Partners highlights that, "Air quality is a public health crisis that demands immediate and transformative action.

At GDi Partners, we work closely with government bodies to design and implement reforms that address these urgent needs. By modernising policies, strengthening institutional capacity, and brining scientific research into action by designing actionable initiatives, we can build an AQ governance framework that truly protects public health and empowers communities. Our goal is to help create an actionable, transparent, evidence backed system that can adapt to the evolving challenges of air quality management and make a meaningful impact."

The need of the hour is a comprehensive overhaul of air quality governance that not only updates policies and strengthens institutions but also fosters collaboration across sectors to create a resilient, data-driven, and health-focused system capable of tackling the escalating air quality crisis.