Critics slam Modi govt for prioritizing extremism over clean air
Islamabad: A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals a grim reality: as of April 2025, 248 out of 273 Indian cities, over 90%, have already exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual PM2.5 limit of of 5 µg/m³. This means that even if pollution dropped to near-zero levels for the rest of the year, these cities would still fail to meet the global health standard.
According to Kashmir Media Service, CREA uses the concept of an “overshoot day”—the point in the year when pollution has already surpassed safe annual exposure limits. In 2025, 109 cities reached this mark in January and February alone, followed by 24 more in March and another six in April. The sequential overshoot in different cities across India emphasises that the issue is widespread rather than confined to a few regions in India.
Despite several cities being among the most polluted in the country, only few are currently included in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Thus, for other cities with persistent severe air quality issues, there are currently no action plans to reduce pollution levels.
Delhi remains among the worst affected, with its annual PM10 levels hitting 206—more than four times the safe limit. The city’s toxic air is costing its tourism industry $2.6 billion annually as visitors avoid the capital. The health implications are even more alarming, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children, with rising cases of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Experts are increasingly questioning the Modi government’s priorities. With over 90% of cities choking on unsafe air, many say that the Modi government seems more focused on promoting Hindu extremism than protecting public health.
