Thread by @bhargavkrishna

Time again for my annual thread of mine and my colleagues' work @SFC_India on air quality. As we descend yet again into nuance-free discourse, shouting matches, and "expert" analysis, here's some sober reading that's hopefully helpful (1/n)

It's not December yet, but this passage from an op-ed Shibani Ghosh and I wrote in Hindustan Times 2 years ago still holds true.


As does the graphic by @pallavipnt and @shahzadgani
(2/n) hindustantimes.com/opinion/bad-ai…

We hear frequent debates about what contributes to Delhi's air quality. @UrbanEmissions led this important work unpacking Delhi's AQ story with a timeline of policy interventions with contributions from @hjethva05 @gautamnpradhan and me
(3/n) mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/5…

As we talk about regional sources, it's vital that we train our lens on airsheds and how we effectively regulate them. Shibani and I wrote about this a few weeks ago in @htTweets, calling for appropriate inst structures, knowledge systems and accountability (4/n)

What about the health evidence? We have more studies than ever to show the harmful effects of air pollution using Indian exposure and health data. Here's just one published in @TheLancetPlanet in July of this year (5/n)

https://x.com/bhargavkrishna/status/1808692038205895108

Our policymaking on AQ ignores health effects; as a result we make poor choices and prioritise the wrong sources. @somagnik @AnandKr91880522 @KaygeeAtWork @DrPoornimaP and I write about this in @TheIndiaForum (6/n)
theindiaforum.in/article/bad-sc…

Crop burning takes centre stage each year with courts and the public bringing a relentless focus to a seasonal problem. How do we fix this issue sustainably? And what about transboundary cooperation? Laid out here with @DrBabarShahbaz @MahajanAnnanya (7/n)
sustainablefutures.org/publication/su…

The best policy being implemented by undercapacitated regulators will still result in poor outcomes. Where are the gaps that need strengthening with our SPCBs? Leadership, technical expertise, finances, etc. laid out here in @TheHinduComment (8/n)
thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/…

The National Green Tribunal taking suo motu cognizance of our work and asking for immediate action on SPCB staffing is heartening, but will only backfill 20 years of inaction. We need to build future-ready regulators that are capable and accountable (9/n)

At the same time, we need to stop throwing money at quick fixes. Delhi was reeling under water shortages a couple of weeks ago while trucks were filling up to spray the streets. This is not sound policy. With @abinaya_sekar94 (10/n)
scroll.in/article/104113…

Closing schools is also not an answer. Who is to say that kids will be less exposed at home? And it is a clear abdication of the State's responsibility to its citizens to leave them to fend for themselves as @abinaya_sekar94 and @AruneshKarkun argue (11/n)
scroll.in/article/105947…

What does this all mean for how we look at air pollution? How do we do this in a thoughtful, science-driven, equitable and sustainable fashion? Read our perspective for a forward-looking take on what a health-driven AQ policy would look like (12/n)
sustainablefutures.org/publication/pe…

AQ as a structural challenge needs root and branch reform in our policymaking apparatus. It requires grunt work in building and implementing accountable, health-centred, science-driven policy across sectors, without which we'll be gasping for air again this time next year (n/n)