India’s toxic air has led to a health as well as an economic crisis. As per the World Bank, India lost 8.5% GDP in 2013 due to air pollution, which roughly amounts to $221 billion; the situation has only worsened in the last 6 years. India has some Acts and Programs in place to prevent and control air pollution. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 was conceptualized to fight the degrading environmental situation in the country. But it has been rendered ineffective in its objective. Essential requirements to overhaul the Air Act, to turn it into an effective and strong legislation have been discussed in this paper.
