Reduced to mere advisory bodies, India's pollution boards are unable to regulate air quality

Abstract

Many technical and structural problems render India’s pollution boards unable to regulate air quality in practice. These boards are plagued with persistent staff shortages and limited capacities, with a shortage of qualified experts in the field of pollution control and environmental studies. The lack of technical expertise affects the quality and utility of the data generated by monitoring networks, resulting in poor implementation of standards and action plans. The leadership of these boards often lacks the necessary knowledge and experience to make informed decisions, diminishing the value of their oversight and enforcement capabilities. Additionally, the lack of coordination between various departments and agencies hinders the effective implementation of pollution control measures. This systemic failure has resulted in India recording its worst levels of pollution, with a significant number of cities appearing on the global list of the world’s most polluted. – AI-generated abstract.