India’s Clean Air Drive Must Extend Beyond Cities

The Week’s recent feature argues that India’s battle against air pollution has largely focused on metropolitan areas, overlooking the significant exposure faced by residents in smaller towns and rural regions. The article stresses that a comprehensive national strategy is essential to address the sources of pollution that affect the entire country, from vehicular emissions to industrial discharges and household cooking practices. It calls on policymakers to broaden the scope of clean‑air programmes, ensuring that regulations, monitoring infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns reach beyond city limits. By expanding these efforts, the piece suggests, India can protect the health of all its citizens and meet its international commitments to improve air quality.