Life in a lot of Indian cities gets disrupted during winter because of the bad air. Schools close, factories shut down and construction stops. It has become increasingly evident that economic activity should pause when air quality becomes hazardous. And this also shows the need to shift from emergency responses to sustainable systems. The upcoming Union Budget provides a good chance to invest in the infrastructure that promotes both growth and clean air.

India’s goals for growth depend on energy. Reliable and reasonably priced energy is essential for manufacturing, transportation, urbanisation, and growing consumption. Currently, the majority of that energy comes from fossil fuels, and using them pollutes the environment.

Much of India’s current response has understandably relied onemergency and short-term measures. Fixed standards are used to control pollution, and activity restrictions are implemented when the quality of the air declines.