This article delves into the unique challenges India faces in managing air pollution and explores integrated technological, regulatory, and design-based responses that are shaping the future of air quality in the country.

India stands at a critical juncture in its journey toward sustainable development, with air quality being one of the most pressing environmental and public health concerns. With 39 of the world’s 50 most polluted cities located in India, both outdoor and indoor air quality management demands urgent attention and systemic solutions.

Outdoor and Indoor Pollution: An Interlinked Crisis

India’s outdoor air pollution is driven by a complex mix of emissions from vehicular traffic, industrial activity, construction dust, agricultural residue burning, and biomass usage. According to the State of Global Air 2023 report, India had the highest exposure to PM2.5 pollution globally, resulting in over 1.6 million premature deaths annually.

However, indoor air quality (IAQ) is an often-overlooked counterpart in this crisis. Studies by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and IIT-Delhi have shown that indoor air in Indian homes, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings, can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. Major sources include cooking with biomass, poor ventilation, the use of household chemicals, and the infiltration of ambient PM2.5.

Key Insight: Addressing indoor air quality is not just about cleaner homes—it’s a crucial component of India’s public health and productivity landscape.

Advanced Filtration Technologies: Gaining Ground in India

With rising public awareness and increasing regulatory pressure, the use of filtration technologies in buildings and institutions is on the rise. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, commonly used in hospitals and IT offices, are slowly making their way into high-end residential spaces.

Additionally, activated carbon filters are increasingly used in urban homes to combat VOCs and odours, especially in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Indian startups and HVAC companies are also exploring indigenous electrostatic and photocatalytic solutions to suit varied climatic and economic settings.

For instance, hybrid filters that combine PM filtration with antimicrobial coatings are now being promoted under the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and green building certifications such as GRIHA and IGBC.

UV-C Technology for Air Disinfection

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a noticeable uptick in the use of UV-C (Ultraviolet-C) technology in India, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors. Companies like Philips, Crompton, and several Indian startups have launched UV-C air purifiers and duct-integrated disinfection units to minimise airborne transmission.

While effective, widespread deployment remains limited due to concerns around ozone generation, cost, and lack of technical standards. However, BIS and ASHRAE India chapters are working toward clearer safety guidelines and standardisation.

Smart Air Purifiers and Ventilation Systems

Air purifiers, once a luxury in India, have become increasingly mainstream, particularly during the winter smog season in North India. Leading brands now offer models tailored to Indian conditions, featuring smart sensors, auto modes, and Wi-Fi integration.

At a larger scale, buildings are beginning to deploy Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV) and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs), which regulate airflow based on real-time occupancy and pollutant levels relevant in cities where outdoor air is often unsafe to bring indoors without filtration.

Standards and Regulations

India has taken notable steps in recent years to formalise indoor air quality standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released IS 16933:2018, outlining the permissible indoor levels of pollutants such as PM2.5, CO₂, formaldehyde, and ozone in air-conditioned buildings.

Additionally, the National Building Code (NBC) now encourages ventilation norms and filtration provisions, especially for public and commercial buildings. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), is also investing in low-cost indoor sensors, data platforms, and awareness campaigns.

However, enforcement remains a challenge. Unlike outdoor air standards, indoor norms are not legally binding for most residential or informal sector spaces.

Monitoring Tools: Access to real-time data

India is witnessing a digital transformation in air quality monitoring. While reference-grade AQMS stations remain limited, the government has installed over 400 low-cost monitors under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). Private companies and citizen groups are also deploying IoT-enabled monitors in schools, offices, and homes.

The SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) and PRANA portal, operated by the MoEFCC and CPCB, provide city-level and zone-wise forecasts, enabling data-driven responses in urban planning and emergency management.

Sustainable Design and Behavioural Shifts

Beyond technology, sustainable architecture and behavioural change will be key to long-term improvements. The IGBC Green Homes rating and GRIHA’s IAQ credits encourage features such as:

Use of low-VOC materials

Cross ventilation and shaded fenestrations

Green walls and vegetative buffers

Air-tight building envelopes with energy recovery systems

On the individual front, increasing use of induction cooking, smoke extractors, and pollution-aware commuting is gaining traction among urban Indians.

Conclusion

India’s air quality challenges are deep-rooted and multifaceted, but they are not impossible to solve. The nation is positioned to develop low-cost, scalable, and context-specific solutions that can be replicated in other developing countries.

Success will depend on a coordinated approach where policymakers set enforceable IAQ standards, the private sector innovates sustainable technologies, and citizens demand cleaner air in every space they occupy.

Air is not just a passive background condition. It is the most essential element we share. Protecting it is both a public health priority and a moral responsibility for our future generations.