India’s biggest pollution problem is air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM) pollution. This type of pollution is responsible for over 1.1 million premature deaths in India, with 56% of those deaths attributed to outdoor PM 2.5 concentration and 44% to household air pollution .

*Major Sources of Air Pollution:*
– _Industrial Pollution_: Accounts for 51% of air pollution in India, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels and chemicals .
– _Vehicular Emissions_: Contributes 27% to air pollution, mainly from cars, trucks, and other vehicles .
– _Crop Burning_: Responsible for 17% of air pollution, particularly during agricultural seasons .
– _Biomass Burning_: A significant source of indoor air pollution, especially in rural areas where fuelwood and biomass are used for cooking and heating .

*Health Impacts:*
Air pollution in India is linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even cognitive impairments .The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one out of nine deaths in India is attributed to air pollution .

*Government Initiatives:*
To combat air pollution, the Indian government has launched several initiatives, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations by 20-30% by 2024 . Additionally, measures like the Odd-Even Rule in Delhi and promoting cleaner fuels like LPG and CNG are being implemented.