Need of the Hour
Air Pollution
Outdoor air pollution — caused by vehicles, industries, and construction — turns our cities into gas chambers. In Delhi and other metros, nearly every resident breathes PM2.5 levels far above safety limits, putting children and the elderly most at risk.
Share of deaths attributed to air pollution, 2021
India's Air Quality Today
India's air quality remains among the most critical in the world.
Despite ongoing policies and monitoring frameworks, most major cities continue to record particulate matter levels far above safe limits. Seasonal spikes, rapid urbanisation, industrial emissions, traffic congestion, and crop-residue burning worsen the situation every year, turning large metropolitan regions into chronic pollution hotspots.
Cities in North India repeatedly appear among the world's most polluted, with winter AQI levels entering "Severe" or "Hazardous" bands for days or even weeks at a time. Rural regions are not exempt from constant background pollution that affects millions who lack access to healthcare or monitoring tools.
The growing frequency of health emergencies, declining visibility, and public warnings show that the nation is at a point where pollution is no longer a seasonal event — it is a year-round environmental and public-health challenge.
India at a Turning Point
As a country, we stand at a turning point. India has acknowledged air pollution as one of its most pressing environmental and health challenges. National programmes such as NCAP, GRAP, and the rapid deployment of monitoring networks show commitment.
Across many cities, air pollution continues to exceed national and international safety standards. The burden on public health, economic productivity, and quality of life signals that incremental measures alone are not enough.
India needs scalable, data-driven, and locally adaptable solutions that support government and economic development, and accelerate tangible outcomes.
At Zylm Energy, we stand aligned with this national mission. Through continuous research, innovation, and field testing, we are working to build practical technologies that complement India's clean-air goals.
Air pollution is the silent pandemic of our time. Every breath we take carries invisible toxins that damage our lungs, hearts, and future generations. According to WHO, 9 out of 10 people breathe unsafe air — and over 7 million die prematurely each year. India alone loses 1.79 million lives -nually to ambient air pollution.
9/10
People breathe polluted air
Air pollution is the silent pandemic of our time
7M
Deaths every year from air pollution
Every breath we take carries invisible toxins
7/10
world's most polluted cities in India
India hosts 7 of the world's 10 most polluted cities
1.79M
deaths per year in India alone
According to WHO, air quality crisis deepens
Particulate Matter
PM10 10 micron diameter
Contains dust particles, passes through nose, throat & enter lungs
PM2.5 2.5 micron
These particles enter deep into our lungs & nervous system via bloodstream.
PM11 micron
These particles enter deep into our lungs & nervous system via bloodstream
Gaseous
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
This gas is colourless and has strong odour. It is formed from the burning of coal, petrol, diesel, etc.
Nitrogen Oxide (NO2)
It is formed by burning of coal, petrol, diesel and natural gas. NOx combines with SO2 to form acid rain.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
It is produced during incomplete burning of coal, petrol, diesel, wood & natural gas.
Ozone (O3)
Ground level ozone is harmful to our health. It is emitted by cars, chemical plants & power plants, etc.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are produced from burning of petrol, diesel and coal. VOCs are also released from glues, dry cleaning products, etc
- Respiratory and lung diseases
- Asthma attacks
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD Pulmonary & Mesothelioma – a particular type of lung cancer
- Pneumonia & Leukaemia
- Birth defects and immune system defects Cardiovascular problems, heart disease and stroke
- Neurobehavioral disorders - neurological problems and developmental deficits
- Liver and other types of cancer – caused by breathing carcinogenic volatile chemicals
- In children, this could include reduced lung growth and function, respiratory infections and aggravated asthma.
- Heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of premature death attributable to outdoor air pollution Diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions
Public Health Impact on Citizens
Air pollution harms everyday people and families. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and smaller) penetrates deep into lungs and bloodstream, leading to asthma, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and other illnesses.
In India, for example, ambient air pollution was linked to an estimated 1.79 million deaths in 2016. A recent Lancet study finds that if India met WHO clean-air guidelines, it would avoid roughly 1.5 million deaths per year
Vulnerable groups (children, elderly, outdoor vendors, patients in hospitals) are hardest hit. In cities like Delhi, nearly all residents live with PM2.5 above safe levels, meaning every breath carries health risk This crisis is recognized at the policy level: SDG Target 3.9 calls For
substantial reduction in deaths and illnesses from air pollution
A Cleaner Future Begins with Responsible Action
Clean air is not a luxury — it’s a right. Yet the world we’ve built makes every breath a risk.
Air pollution affects how we live, work, and thrive, from chronic illnesses to lost productivity. The need for active, technology-driven solutions is no longer optional — it’s urgent.
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has long warned that India's air quality remains among the lowest globally, with fine dust, industrial emissions, and biological pollutants creating a toxic mix that demands immediate intervention.
Fine dust (Particulate Matter), with ultrafine particles (UFP), is considered to be extremely dangerous to our health. Gaseous pollutants, i.e. gases such as NO2 or ozone. Biological pollutants (biological contaminants) such as bacteria, viruses, mold or allergens.
Actions taken by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Air Quality Monitoring and Network
Measures for control of vehicular refueling emissions
Measures for control of industrial emission
Measures for Control of Emissions from Stubble Burning
MSW and C&D Waste
Technical Interventions
Close Monitoring & Ground level implementation
Regular Stakeholder Consultation, Public & Media Outreach
Regulatory Actions
Other actions
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January, 2019 with an aim to improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States/UTs by engaging all stakeholders. The programme envisages to achieve reductions up to 40% or achievement of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter10 (PM 10) concentrations by 2025-26. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). A plan implemented in Delhi-NCR to take graded measures based on air quality levels, including restrictions on certain activities during high pollution period Actions taken by Central Government
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has identified 131 cities across the country for focused and time-bound interventions aimed at improving air quality and reducing pollution levels. These cities are being supported through comprehensive action plans that address major sources of air pollution and promote sustainable urban development. A key initiative supporting cleaner air is the implementation of Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards, which mandate significantly stricter norms for vehicle emissions. These standards have led to the adoption of cleaner fuels and advanced engine technologies, resulting in a substantial reduction in harmful pollutants released from both commercial and private vehicles.
In addition to transport-related measures, targeted actions are being taken to address agricultural sources of pollution. Crop residue management programs are being promoted to reduce stubble burning, a major contributor to seasonal air pollution. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt alternative practices and technologies for residue disposal, thereby minimizing open-field burning and its adverse environmental impact. Furthermore, stringent emission monitoring mechanisms are being enforced in red-category industries through real-time emission monitoring systems. These systems enable continuous tracking of industrial emissions, ensure regulatory compliance, and support prompt corrective actions, collectively contributing to improved air quality and environmental protection.