Special Report: Air Pollution Crisis Now A National Emergency Beyond Delhi NCR

India's air pollution has escalated into a year-round national emergency, extending far beyond a winter-specific issue in the Delhi NCR. A recent analysis reveals that 60% of India's districts now breach national air quality standards, with cities like Mumbai and Varanasi experiencing severe smog. This public health crisis is a major mortality risk, comparable to high blood pressure, and is linked to a rise in asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses. Despite existing laws, a lack of political will and execution has hindered effective action. Experts and political figures are calling for government accountability and a coordinated five-year national action plan to move from short-term measures to sustainable solutions. The debate highlights the need to make clean air a political priority, address challenges like the transition to electric vehicles, and recognize the disproportionate impact of toxic air on the nation's most vulnerable populations, securing the fundamental right to breathe clean air.