“Air Purifiers Won’t Save Delhi; Lifestyle Change is Key,” Says CSE Director Sunita Narayan

New Delhi: Amidst the choking pollution in Delhi-NCR, Sunita Narayan, Padma Shri awardee and Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), has emphasized that individual lifestyle changes are critical to tackling the city’s air crisis. Speaking to NBT’s Poonam Gaur, she highlighted that temporary measures and technological fixes alone cannot solve the problem.

Learning from Other Countries
Narayan pointed to China’s example in combating smog, stressing that India can adopt similar strategies. “China used large-scale natural gas, shut down non-compliant industries, and replaced older vehicles with electric ones. India can do this too, but it requires year-round, planned action rather than waiting for winter or Diwali to act,” she said.

Public Protests Signal Frustration
Narayan noted that protests from India Gate to Jantar Mantar, and even slogans during Lionel Messi’s tour, reflect growing public anger. “People are expressing frustration and disappointment, which is understandable. We have laws and enforcement agencies, but we are failing on multiple fronts,” she said.

The Role of Wealth and Lifestyle
When asked about the link between the affluent and pollution, Narayan said, “Air pollution affects all, but the wealthy contribute disproportionately through private cars and high-energy lifestyles. Air purifiers or temporary escapes are not long-term solutions. Sustainable lifestyle changes are essential.”

Policy Changes Needed
Narayan criticized current government measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as short-term. “We need a long-term vision, political will, and continuous action. Measures like cloud seeding and smog guns are now symbolic, not solutions,” she said. She suggested replacing old commercial vehicles with BS-6 compliant models, improving public transport, limiting private vehicle use, promoting clean fuels in industries, and encouraging farmers to avoid stubble burning.

Individual Responsibility is Key
Highlighting household consumption, Narayan said, “We must question whether big cars, air conditioners, generators, and air purifiers are truly necessary. Designing homes for comfort without excessive energy use can reduce dependency on these appliances. Ultimately, whether we are ready to rethink and act differently will determine the future of our environment.”

Narayan’s message is clear: technological fixes alone won’t clean Delhi’s air—systemic policy reforms and responsible lifestyle choices are critical.