Fri Jan 31 12:36:15 UTC 2025: ## India’s Economic Survey Highlights Air Pollution Crisis, Emphasizes Climate Adaptation
**New Delhi, January 31, 2025** – India’s Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled in Parliament today, highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies while acknowledging the persistent challenge of air pollution, particularly in North India. The report notes that India must continue maximizing the efficiency of its fossil fuel resources in the medium term, citing the premature closure of thermal power plants in developed countries without viable alternatives and the difficulties in widespread renewable energy adoption.
The Survey identifies air pollution as a major concern, particularly in the Delhi NCR region, where 2024 saw 155 days of “poor,” “very poor,” or “severe” air quality. This marks the first time in six years that Delhi experienced no days of “good” air quality. Even on the day the Survey was released, Delhi’s air quality was recorded as “very poor.”
The report cites the World Health Organization (WHO), stating that 99% of the global population breathes air exceeding WHO guideline limits. While acknowledging the role of human activities like vehicular traffic and agricultural practices, the Survey also points to geographical factors and wind direction as contributing to the problem.
The government’s efforts to combat air pollution, including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), are mentioned. However, the Survey implicitly acknowledges concerns regarding the effectiveness of these programs, referencing previous reports highlighting inconsistent implementation of NCAP’s City Action Plans and the Supreme Court’s description of GRAP as inadequate.
The Economic Survey emphasizes that India’s climate efforts must incorporate both mitigation and adaptation strategies to achieve its 2070 net-zero emissions target without compromising economic development.
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