Every winter, post Diwali, Air Quality Index or AQI and pollution levels become the buzzwords. A lot of promises are made, solutions suggested, blame game reigns supreme and the citizens continue to suffer. It takes a toll, specially on the vulnerable, senior citizens, children and those with respiratory illnesses, apart from reducing life expectancy and adversely affecting the quality of life. Why is there 'apathy' writ large on the powers that be, the civic administration and the people in general. Schools and colleges are shut, government offices close in Delhi, people are advised to work from home and odd even schemes rolled out for vehicles to reduce the pollution levels.

This utter lack of concern probably has its roots in the way our society has got structured over time, the influence of the digital and social media, the inward and self serving outlook of the people and the fact that what matters is only 'here and now' and it doesn't matter if it doesn't concern the individual in question or even if it does then who is listening. Delhi has the dubious distinction of being the most polluted city in the world with the worst AQI, a feat that it apparently, zealously protects to stay this way year after year. The causes for this are touted to be the stubble or crop burning in the neighbouring states of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, the emitting pollution from vehicular traffic, industrial pollution and the large scale construction activities.

In the city of Delhi, to show its concern and alleviate the suffering of the people the Arvind Kejriwal government has employed civic warriors at major traffic junctions with placards that read 'Red light ON; Ignition OFF'. A few kilometres away at Delhi's borders with the neighbouring states arterial roads to Delhi have been blocked by agitating farmers since the last year, subjecting commuters to unceasing agony day after day. Nobody talks of the vehicular emissions caused by these detours due to blocked highways, the extra expenditure on petrol, the value of man hours lost because of the extra commute, the wear and tear to the vehicles due to the pitiable conditions of almost non existent roads and the agony and suffering of the people who in no way are responsible for the existing feud between the farmers and the government. Over this last year or so we have come to believe and accept this as a a way of life and carry on with our lives.

Why isn't there a whole of government approach and why don't parts of the government in our federal structure do whatever is in their control to ensure that the common man is not unduly burdened? In their zeal to protect their own turf and maintain primacy for vested interests, political or hierarchical, many fail to cooperate laterally with other departments, districts and states resulting in suffering to the common man and the citizens of the country. While we work in silos and excel, more often than not we fail to see the larger picture and accept things as fate, destiny, couldn't care less attitude and carry on with our lives adjusting behaviour to the existing circumstances. Unless you walk a mile in the shoes that you wear, you won't know where they pinch. Unfortunately many of those who have the power to change things for the better, do not feel the pinch that affects the citizens at large. While others feel that the status quo suits them, for petty, parochial and political gains.

To change things for better requires a clear vision, strong leadership, an altruistic attitude and a strong belief in your own self and capabilities. It is only when we put political and parochial differences aside and act selflessly for national good will we see true and genuine progress. There are enough examples which prove that a 'can do' and 'will achieve' attitude can turn things around. Beijing is a classic case study which has transformed itself from being one of the most polluted cities in the world. We owe it to ourselves and our future generations, to bequeath an environment that facilitates healthy living and improving on our own quality of life. Let us pledge to ensure that the same story doesn't get repeated year after year and we all do what we can to pull Indian cities out from breathing toxic air and subjecting ourselves to passive smoke detrimental to our health. Let us and our future generations 'breathe' without fear or masks.