By Sapna 
According to a study published by the BMJ, air pollution is responsible for 8.34 million deaths globally each year. In India, air pollution is a significant concern, as the country accounts for one in four of these deaths. In 2021, China reported 2.3 million deaths, and India 2.1 million, together accounting for 55 per cent of global fatalities due to air pollution. National Pollution Control Day serves as an important reminder of the urgent need to address environmental issues and prioritise sustainability on a daily basis.
As discussions around sustainability often become bogged down in jargon and complex terminology, this day underscores the importance of translating those concepts into tangible efforts. It calls on individuals, businesses, and communities to shift their focus from merely talking about sustainability to actively implementing practical solutions to mitigate pollution and foster a healthier future. By raising awareness and encouraging actionable steps, this day inspires us all to be part of the solution, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable world for generations to come.
On December 2, 1984, India experienced a tragic disaster that resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. Many victims were unaware that they would perish in their sleep due to a chemical accident at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal. Methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from a factory tank, killing over 25,000 people and injuring hundreds of thousands more. For 40 years, we have observed this day to remember the victims and raise awareness; however, have we succeeded? Pollution levels and poor air quality continue to take the lives of millions every year. If so, isn’t it just jargon rather than action?
Enacted in 1981 and amended in 1987, India’s Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was a pioneering step in the country’s efforts to combat air pollution. At its introduction, there was growing awareness of air pollution as a significant concern in major Indian cities, primarily from industrial activities and transportation. However, the situation has worsened, with new contributors emerging, including household emissions, construction dust, diesel generator sets, and biomass burning. Today, air pollution has become a national threat, impacting the health of the population in both urban and rural areas.
Alarmingly, over 99.9 per cent of the population is exposed to PM2.5 levels that exceed World Health Organisation standards. This situation underscores the importance of empowering the Air Act with adequate authority and resources to address this crisis effectively. Over the last four decades, the Air Act has made significant contributions to raising awareness about air quality issues and has laid the groundwork for regulatory frameworks to mitigate pollution.
However, air pollution in India has become a significant battle that the Air Act cannot effectively address due to its inability to keep pace with advancements in science and air quality management research. Among other loopholes, this Act does not consider health risks within its regulatory framework.
When we talk about startups, it’s evident that various sustainable brands are making strides in promoting sustainability. Currently, India aims to reach net zero by 2070, but to achieve this goal, rigorous implementation of sustainable development is required.
Sustainable entrepreneurship is on the rise, with India witnessing 50 per cent growth in the sector annually since 2017, according to a report by the India Climate Collaborative and Bain & Company. The nation’s commitment to achieving the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) is one of the key drivers of sustainable entrepreneurship in India. In the wake of the Covid pandemic, there has been a significant surge in demand for sustainable products throughout the country. Emerging startups in India are at the forefront of this movement, concentrating on innovative sectors such as cleantech, renewable energy solutions, effective waste management systems, and electric mobility. These companies are not only addressing urgent environmental challenges but are also crafting a diverse array of products that align with the growing consumer appetite for eco-friendly and sustainable goods.