India may ease capital’s smog problem in the long term

Subject

Delhi's efforts to combat toxic smog.

Significance

India’s National Capital Region (NCR) frequently registers dangerously high levels of toxic smog, largely caused by industrial and vehicle emissions, construction dust and illegal crop-burning by farmers in surrounding states. Delhi is fast acquiring the reputation of being an unattractive place to live and do business in.

Impacts

• The market for indoor air-purifiers and face masks will expand.
• Delhi may see higher levels of out-migration by skilled and expat workers in the short term.
• Other major cities in India may come under pressure to implement similar anti-pollution measures to those in Delhi.