Recently, it was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, residents lived up to five months longer on average after a clean-up reduced the level of fine particulate matter in the air, based on a research study done in 51 metropolitan areas in the United States.

For the period 1980-2000, longevity in the more polluted American cities improved by about ten months following official intervention. It is important to note that these conclusions were drawn after adjusting for other factors that can affect the lifespan of the residents, such as income, education, demographics and smoking. The findings are of relevance everywhere because they deal with the health effects of ‘PM 2.5’ or breathable fine particulates measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter.

These microscopic pollutants are produced by a variety of activities, including vehicular emissions. Those with chronic and obstructive respiratory conditions feel their immediate paralysing effect. At high levels, they harm everyone. Unfortunately, India has been slow in responding to this major environmental issue.

The following are some of the issues need to be debated for getting a consensus opinion:

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, at least 70 Indian cities have failed to attain even existing ambient air quality standards -- a serious debate should take place on how to improve the ambient air quality standards.

A scheme to improve the air quality in 16 cities, drawn up in compliance with the Supreme Court orders, has been taking tiny, incremental steps; let some agency come out with a proper study as to what are the real bottlenecks in implementing this scheme so that policy makers can attempt to plug the loopholes.

Will the new evidence on the health benefits (based on the reporting of the above journal) of cleaner air persuade the Central government to do better?

A good solution offered in the editorial is, “Extensive monitoring of pollutants in cities in real time, applying the proposed stricter standards (as opposed to limited sampling at a few locations), must be the norm.” Are there any takers?

Live reporting of the data over the Internet is critical. With reliable data available, especially on fine particulates, it should be possible to plug pollution sources.

The changes made in fuel standards over the years to reduce lead, sulphur and benzene content have produced good results. Modern automotive standards and catalytic converters have cut tailpipe emissions. But ageing public transport, commercial and freight vehicles spewing particulate matter into the air remain a major health hazard.

The difficulties experienced in replacing old autorickshaws in Kolkata with LPG-fuelled ones point to the need for a scheme to provide financial assistance. However, New Delhi deserves praise for slowing phasing out old autorickshaws and diesel run buses with eco-friendly fuel.

Rapid progress on metro rail projects is also vital to improve air quality in cities.

Concluding comments: The buzzword should be ’Green’ that is anything that is going to increase the lifespan of mankind should be encouraged and embraced with folded hands. If the air becomes cleaner, the joy quotient of living a full life will get a big boost. Hope our policy-makers take a serious note on this important environmental issue to make breathing space all the more eco-friendly.

Therefore, the suggestion to operationalise the amended National Ambient Air Quality Standardards drafted in 2008 needs big attention to make India a better place to live in for all times to come.