Breathing Inequality: How India’s Poor Suffer the Most from Pollution


Authors : Harshal T. Gajare; Tanaji Gajare; Anil Shelke; Kunal Gajare

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5n6tpmzw

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4pd8f8d8

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr254

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Abstract : This study explores the intersection of air pollution and poverty in India, revealing how low-income urban populations disproportionately suffer from harmful air exposure. By analysing PM2.5/PM10 data, income patterns, and public health indicators across major Indian cities, the research identifies systemic environmental injustices. The paper proposes actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and civil society to prioritize clean air as a right, not a privilege.

Keywords : Environmental Justice, Air Pollution, India, PM2.5, Socioeconomic Inequality, Urban Planning.

References :

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    https://www.iqair.com/world-air-quality-report
  2. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Health Effects Institute, & Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. (2020). State of Global Air: India Fact Sheet.
    https://www.stateofglobalair.org/
  3. CPCB. (2024). National Air Quality Monitoring Programme. Central Pollution Control Board, Government of India.
    https://cpcb.nic.in/
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    https://safar.tropmet.res.in/
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    https://censusindia.gov.in/
  6. World Bank. (2015). Poverty and Shared Prosperity in India: State-Level Briefs.
    https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2016/05/27/poverty-and-shared-prosperity-in-india
  7. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). (2021). Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    http://rchiips.org/nfhs/
  8. National Health Profile (NHP). (2020). Central Bureau of Health Intelligence, India.
    https://cbhidghs.nic.in/
  9. UNEP. (2019). Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based Solutions.
    https://www.unep.org/resources/report/air-pollution-asia-and-pacific-science-based-solutions
  10. U.S. EPA. (2022). Environmental Justice and Equity.
    https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
  11. Gupta, A., & Sankar, P. (2021). Understanding urban air quality governance in India: Challenges and opportunities. Environmental Science & Policy, 118, 36–44.
  12. Roy, A. (2022). Environmental Inequality in India: A Geospatial Analysis. Economic and Political Weekly, 57(19), 25–30

This study explores the intersection of air pollution and poverty in India, revealing how low-income urban populations disproportionately suffer from harmful air exposure. By analysing PM2.5/PM10 data, income patterns, and public health indicators across major Indian cities, the research identifies systemic environmental injustices. The paper proposes actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and civil society to prioritize clean air as a right, not a privilege.

Keywords : Environmental Justice, Air Pollution, India, PM2.5, Socioeconomic Inequality, Urban Planning.

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