What do you think?
Rate this book
The Great Smog of India
Air pollution kills over a million Indians every year—silently. Families are thrown into a spiraling cycle of hospital visits, critically poor health and financial trouble impacting their productivity and ability to participate in the economy. Children born in regions of high air pollution are shown to have irreversibly reduced lung function and cognitive abilities that affects their incomes for years to come. They all suffer, silently.
The issue is exacerbated each winter as the Great Smog of India descends and envelops much of northern India. In this period, the health impact from mere breathing is akin to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. The crisis is so grave that it warrants emergency health advisories forbidding people from stepping out. And yet, for most Indians, this is now life as usual.
The issue is exacerbated each winter as the Great Smog of India descends and envelops much of northern India. In this period, the health impact from mere breathing is akin to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. The crisis is so grave that it warrants emergency health advisories forbidding people from stepping out. And yet, for most Indians, this is now life as usual.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published October 30, 2018
14 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 15, 2021
So impactful and compelling!
December 26, 2018
Right about the time I was finishing The Great Smog of India, I also read headlines such as:
Delhi spends Christmas indoors as air quality severe on fourth day
and
Delhi gasps for air, AQI recorded at 423.
These are two among hundreds such news pieces that emerge out of the capital annually.
Siddharth Singh’s The Great Smog of India (after The Great Smog of London of 1952, which also featured on Netflix’s The Crown) talks about the declining quality of air and the rising air pollution in our country, particularly particulate matter, in India, treating Delhi and others states in the North as ground zero. In a nutshell, it paints the story about how our post-independent economic and political needs and decisions influenced the way government, industry, farmers and several other factions of society treated the air around them and how we, which is mostly Delhi, came to this juncture.
Singh writes at the beginning of the book that he is “not an environmentalist – at least not in the functional sense of the word…what I certainly am is curious. I have spent a good part of the past eight years observing and working on energy, the economy, mobility, and climate policies“.
It is this vantage point of being a close observer that allows him to tie our air pollution crisis with policy, economy, and administration and present a lucid picture of the history of how we came here, with bits of advice on how the higher powers can move forward.
This is a vast topic, and it was too easy to have become boring or too complicated for the lay reader. But the journalistic narrative shines and the flow of the book, divided into nine chapters, does not break for a single moment. We go from learning about The Silence of the Crisis to Energizing India (a very positive and comprehensive chapter on the different sources that power India, from coal to nuclear, from solar to hydro power) and How India Moves and then, the real highlights of the book, the Agricultural Shock and The Administrative Tournament (my favourite chapter).
Each of these chapters opens with a little story, an anecdote of how air pollution affects real people. These cover a fair spectrum of the social classes if not all. I am not in the position to cross check all his hundreds of references, so I will not speak about its merits.
The primary goal of the book, to paint a cohesive picture from the many fragments of information one may otherwise receive from newspapers and other sources, is achieved seamlessly. If you are a lay reader with an interest in the environment, it will inspire you to turn this into a voting point (In the last chapters I almost started a petition on Change.org).
There is some trivia thrown in, like of a hydropower accident that took place in China in 1975 but was made public only in 2005. Conflicting, contrasting and competing opinions and situations are laid out bare on the pages, and as muddled as say, the administration of Delhi is, it also brings perspective to the reader’s understanding of just how governments function or how everything in our life, from food to air, is tied up with politics and the decisions of policy-makers.
There are some small things that the editor should have taken better note of – the first few pages feel less like a book of non-fiction than an SEO-driven article (there is one page on which the words Great Smog and India appears thrice!) and that sometimes, a point is repeated more than necessary.
Not a perfect book…
I have three issues with the book. The first two may seem small; because it has to do with the unappealing title font type and the cover which does not nearly convey the gravity of the situation.
The third and biggest problem is the tone of book. Until the very end, the book assumes the reader is an upper middle or rich Indian who has not faced air pollution, with lines like “You and I have been insulated from this travesty…”
Perhaps that is the target audience, but as someone who does not enjoy the luxury of being insulated from air pollution (there is a metro line being constructed right outside my house, I largely take public transport in Mumbai and find it difficult to breathe almost everywhere I go), I felt it was alienating. Even when he does include himself, like when he writes, “It can be frustratingly up close and personal if pungent smoke [from municipal waste burning] bothers you like it does me” it is an exception, not the norm.
It’s always “the government, the industry and the society”, not “the government, the industry and us”. So, while it is the book about energy policy that it intended to be, it would perhaps only attract the reader with an existing interest in environment, and chances are, that such a reader would not need convincing about the need for a robust energy policy in the first place.
Even among the readers, think about the spectrum. If you are rich, you have enough ways to battle air pollution and not one line to dissuade you from doing so is there in the book, and neither are many ways prescribed in which you can participate. If you are in the middle class, there is not much you can do, because he does make room for the aspirations of an upwardly mobile economy. And if you are poor, the author has not considered that you are a reader, even when he does talk about the poor being most affected. He is talking about you, never to you. This is perhaps intentional, but by doing so, Singh and the publishers have narrowed the scope and possible impact of their own product.
Like I said before. It could have aimed to turn pollution in particular and environment at large as an electoral issue for the upcoming elections. It could have at least created the foundation for making it an electoral issue in the years to come, but it did not and I think that is its failure. Instead of wasting several pages on a recap of what was spoken in the book, which it does at the end, it could have been a note to the reader on his own participation, as citizen and voter.
All in all, you may not naturally pick this book if you are not from Delhi, but you should. Corporates, MBA classes, students of policy-making with an interest in environment will all benefit from getting such a broad yet nuanced overview of the issue of air pollution in India. It’s a good starter kit, in a sense. And, yes. I believe it should be made compulsory reading for all our environment-related ministries at the state, central and local level and then there should be a massive book club discussing this! Perhaps that would bring in the much-needed coordination he talks about!
Delhi spends Christmas indoors as air quality severe on fourth day
and
Delhi gasps for air, AQI recorded at 423.
These are two among hundreds such news pieces that emerge out of the capital annually.
Siddharth Singh’s The Great Smog of India (after The Great Smog of London of 1952, which also featured on Netflix’s The Crown) talks about the declining quality of air and the rising air pollution in our country, particularly particulate matter, in India, treating Delhi and others states in the North as ground zero. In a nutshell, it paints the story about how our post-independent economic and political needs and decisions influenced the way government, industry, farmers and several other factions of society treated the air around them and how we, which is mostly Delhi, came to this juncture.
Singh writes at the beginning of the book that he is “not an environmentalist – at least not in the functional sense of the word…what I certainly am is curious. I have spent a good part of the past eight years observing and working on energy, the economy, mobility, and climate policies“.
It is this vantage point of being a close observer that allows him to tie our air pollution crisis with policy, economy, and administration and present a lucid picture of the history of how we came here, with bits of advice on how the higher powers can move forward.
This is a vast topic, and it was too easy to have become boring or too complicated for the lay reader. But the journalistic narrative shines and the flow of the book, divided into nine chapters, does not break for a single moment. We go from learning about The Silence of the Crisis to Energizing India (a very positive and comprehensive chapter on the different sources that power India, from coal to nuclear, from solar to hydro power) and How India Moves and then, the real highlights of the book, the Agricultural Shock and The Administrative Tournament (my favourite chapter).
Each of these chapters opens with a little story, an anecdote of how air pollution affects real people. These cover a fair spectrum of the social classes if not all. I am not in the position to cross check all his hundreds of references, so I will not speak about its merits.
The primary goal of the book, to paint a cohesive picture from the many fragments of information one may otherwise receive from newspapers and other sources, is achieved seamlessly. If you are a lay reader with an interest in the environment, it will inspire you to turn this into a voting point (In the last chapters I almost started a petition on Change.org).
There is some trivia thrown in, like of a hydropower accident that took place in China in 1975 but was made public only in 2005. Conflicting, contrasting and competing opinions and situations are laid out bare on the pages, and as muddled as say, the administration of Delhi is, it also brings perspective to the reader’s understanding of just how governments function or how everything in our life, from food to air, is tied up with politics and the decisions of policy-makers.
There are some small things that the editor should have taken better note of – the first few pages feel less like a book of non-fiction than an SEO-driven article (there is one page on which the words Great Smog and India appears thrice!) and that sometimes, a point is repeated more than necessary.
Not a perfect book…
I have three issues with the book. The first two may seem small; because it has to do with the unappealing title font type and the cover which does not nearly convey the gravity of the situation.
The third and biggest problem is the tone of book. Until the very end, the book assumes the reader is an upper middle or rich Indian who has not faced air pollution, with lines like “You and I have been insulated from this travesty…”
Perhaps that is the target audience, but as someone who does not enjoy the luxury of being insulated from air pollution (there is a metro line being constructed right outside my house, I largely take public transport in Mumbai and find it difficult to breathe almost everywhere I go), I felt it was alienating. Even when he does include himself, like when he writes, “It can be frustratingly up close and personal if pungent smoke [from municipal waste burning] bothers you like it does me” it is an exception, not the norm.
It’s always “the government, the industry and the society”, not “the government, the industry and us”. So, while it is the book about energy policy that it intended to be, it would perhaps only attract the reader with an existing interest in environment, and chances are, that such a reader would not need convincing about the need for a robust energy policy in the first place.
Even among the readers, think about the spectrum. If you are rich, you have enough ways to battle air pollution and not one line to dissuade you from doing so is there in the book, and neither are many ways prescribed in which you can participate. If you are in the middle class, there is not much you can do, because he does make room for the aspirations of an upwardly mobile economy. And if you are poor, the author has not considered that you are a reader, even when he does talk about the poor being most affected. He is talking about you, never to you. This is perhaps intentional, but by doing so, Singh and the publishers have narrowed the scope and possible impact of their own product.
Like I said before. It could have aimed to turn pollution in particular and environment at large as an electoral issue for the upcoming elections. It could have at least created the foundation for making it an electoral issue in the years to come, but it did not and I think that is its failure. Instead of wasting several pages on a recap of what was spoken in the book, which it does at the end, it could have been a note to the reader on his own participation, as citizen and voter.
All in all, you may not naturally pick this book if you are not from Delhi, but you should. Corporates, MBA classes, students of policy-making with an interest in environment will all benefit from getting such a broad yet nuanced overview of the issue of air pollution in India. It’s a good starter kit, in a sense. And, yes. I believe it should be made compulsory reading for all our environment-related ministries at the state, central and local level and then there should be a massive book club discussing this! Perhaps that would bring in the much-needed coordination he talks about!
May 24, 2021
In order to enrich a democracy with both scientific temper and inclusiveness, every policy decision should involve the experts who have sound academic and technical knowledge on the issue. But as Naseem Nicholas Taleb noted in his book ‘Skin in the game’: “Citizens, artisans, police, fishermen, political activists and entrepreneurs all have skin in the game. Policy wonks, corporate executives, many academics, bankers and most journalists don't.” So, every policy decision from such experts should be consulted with the respective stakeholders in order to expedite a cordial as well as a positive outcome. This forms the bedrock of reforms in a multicultural democracy. As energy, mobility and climate policy expert, author Siddharth Singh did an excellent job in chalking out plans to address the issue of air pollution in India which warrants an immediate action considering the massive detrimental impact it leaves on humankind. That being said, more crucially, he also had addressed the harsh realities which act as barriers and the prevailing gap between policy makers and stakeholders in executing the plans. This makes ‘The Great Smog of India’ a well-researched futuristic policy document in a layout of a book.
Article 21 of the Constitution which guarantees the fundamental right to Indian citizens states that ‘no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law’. It was only in the late 1980s the apex courts interpreted this right as an extension of the right to a pollution-free environment as well. Dean Spears from r.i.c.e institute who wrote an exceptionally well-researched book ‘AIR: Pollution, Climate Change and India’s Choice Between Policy and Pretence’ have already noted on how the air pollution in India had resulted in staggering rates of neonatal deaths and stunting among the kids, which directly had impact their growth, brain development and future productivity. This book deals with much better and broader perspectives on India’s energy policies, vehicular and industrial emissions, agricultural emissions, renewable sources of energy and the legal and administrative framework pertaining to air pollution.
Though the economic angle towards air pollution is often cited among various sociological researchers stating that big corporations and the people belonging to the top strata of economic pyramid play a substantial role in polluting the environment, the gender perspective towards pollution is often overlooked, which was well addressed in this book, explaining the health hazards posed by domestic/indoor pollution resulting from the consumption of biomass for cooking. A rural woman caught in this trap has high risk for the contraction of chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, cataract and pregnancy outcomes. Amartya Sen in his book ‘Development as Freedom’ observed that “Development is the process of expanding real freedoms that people enjoy. These freedoms include the freedom to participate in the economy; the freedom to access education, training and health care; the freedom to travel freely, the freedom to travel one’s passion, the freedom to pursue happiness in any form one deems fit.” Air pollution, by its very nature which stymies the growth of an individual and deteriorates her health should be considered as an ‘unfreedom’. As this book rightly argues, a truer form of development must include removal of such ‘unfreedom’ by managing a cleaner environment for the masses.
In all the chapters, Siddharth Singh delves into scientific literature cutting across various timelines, with citations running through a minimum of fifty pages in the end of the book to make us understand that the key to address environmental issues must be relied on scientific approach rather from a rhetorical standpoint. One such example is the chapter on nuclear energy. Even though nuclear power plants pose no risks and do not operate on the same principles or technologies as of atomic weapons, the imagery of a mushroom cloud emerging on the skies of Hiroshima conjures upon people whenever there is a discussion around nuclear power. Remarkably written, that particular chapter alone had the substance to clear the skepticism around Fukushima and Chernobyl and makes one understand why coal is not the future of India.
Two of the unexpected negative outcomes of the Green Revolution which brought in a shift towards High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds followed by guaranteeing a minimum support price mechanism for rice and wheat were the issues of stubble burning and the depletion of groundwater from the practice of tube well irrigation. Stubble burning is a menace in northern India which quickly warrants for a technological revolution in combating agro-ecological challenges. Mitigating agricultural emissions is of utmost importance in curbing air pollution considering the magnitude of environmental deterioration the Rice Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) had resulted in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh which often suffers from the great smog. The idea based on diversification of crops by cutting down the MSP for wheat and rice and revisiting the minimum support price mechanism for other drought tolerant varieties (or for crops which requires less irrigation) in accordance with ecological conservation were rational and workable strategies mentioned in this book.
To summarise, it is well known that Article 51-A (g) dealing with fundamental rights states that: It shall be the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. Such individual actions might only result in trivial outcomes towards mitigating air pollution. But, by understanding the magnitude of the damage and risks posed by air pollution from this book, it is clear that unless the people of India make climate change, pollution and environmental conservation an electoral issue and demand accountability, nothing can dampen this perpetual crisis
Article 21 of the Constitution which guarantees the fundamental right to Indian citizens states that ‘no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law’. It was only in the late 1980s the apex courts interpreted this right as an extension of the right to a pollution-free environment as well. Dean Spears from r.i.c.e institute who wrote an exceptionally well-researched book ‘AIR: Pollution, Climate Change and India’s Choice Between Policy and Pretence’ have already noted on how the air pollution in India had resulted in staggering rates of neonatal deaths and stunting among the kids, which directly had impact their growth, brain development and future productivity. This book deals with much better and broader perspectives on India’s energy policies, vehicular and industrial emissions, agricultural emissions, renewable sources of energy and the legal and administrative framework pertaining to air pollution.
Though the economic angle towards air pollution is often cited among various sociological researchers stating that big corporations and the people belonging to the top strata of economic pyramid play a substantial role in polluting the environment, the gender perspective towards pollution is often overlooked, which was well addressed in this book, explaining the health hazards posed by domestic/indoor pollution resulting from the consumption of biomass for cooking. A rural woman caught in this trap has high risk for the contraction of chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, cataract and pregnancy outcomes. Amartya Sen in his book ‘Development as Freedom’ observed that “Development is the process of expanding real freedoms that people enjoy. These freedoms include the freedom to participate in the economy; the freedom to access education, training and health care; the freedom to travel freely, the freedom to travel one’s passion, the freedom to pursue happiness in any form one deems fit.” Air pollution, by its very nature which stymies the growth of an individual and deteriorates her health should be considered as an ‘unfreedom’. As this book rightly argues, a truer form of development must include removal of such ‘unfreedom’ by managing a cleaner environment for the masses.
In all the chapters, Siddharth Singh delves into scientific literature cutting across various timelines, with citations running through a minimum of fifty pages in the end of the book to make us understand that the key to address environmental issues must be relied on scientific approach rather from a rhetorical standpoint. One such example is the chapter on nuclear energy. Even though nuclear power plants pose no risks and do not operate on the same principles or technologies as of atomic weapons, the imagery of a mushroom cloud emerging on the skies of Hiroshima conjures upon people whenever there is a discussion around nuclear power. Remarkably written, that particular chapter alone had the substance to clear the skepticism around Fukushima and Chernobyl and makes one understand why coal is not the future of India.
Two of the unexpected negative outcomes of the Green Revolution which brought in a shift towards High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds followed by guaranteeing a minimum support price mechanism for rice and wheat were the issues of stubble burning and the depletion of groundwater from the practice of tube well irrigation. Stubble burning is a menace in northern India which quickly warrants for a technological revolution in combating agro-ecological challenges. Mitigating agricultural emissions is of utmost importance in curbing air pollution considering the magnitude of environmental deterioration the Rice Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) had resulted in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh which often suffers from the great smog. The idea based on diversification of crops by cutting down the MSP for wheat and rice and revisiting the minimum support price mechanism for other drought tolerant varieties (or for crops which requires less irrigation) in accordance with ecological conservation were rational and workable strategies mentioned in this book.
To summarise, it is well known that Article 51-A (g) dealing with fundamental rights states that: It shall be the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. Such individual actions might only result in trivial outcomes towards mitigating air pollution. But, by understanding the magnitude of the damage and risks posed by air pollution from this book, it is clear that unless the people of India make climate change, pollution and environmental conservation an electoral issue and demand accountability, nothing can dampen this perpetual crisis
December 21, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Siddharth Singh's The Great Smog of India manages to both scare the hell out of the reader and give hope where none used to exist.
We all read the newspaper reports about the pollution levels in Delhi of course, but the consequences of those pollution levels on individual health (and therefore on India's health systems and its productivity as an economy) aren't quite so evident on a day-to-day basis.
This is what TGSoI does well. It begins by summarizing the impact of the pollution levels. Then it delves deep into each of the causes of the rise in pollution each winter, whether it's industrial pollution or vehicular emissions or the burning of agricultural residue or Delhi's geographical situation or the unique administrative hassles of Delhi as a city, state and capital.
The chapter on crop burning is done particularly well; it makes it crystal clear why the farmers of Punjab and Haryana have no option but to burn the crop residue every year, and why it's a comparatively recent phenomenon. I was surprised to learn that solutions to the crop burning issue do actually exist. The reason they are not being implemented is lack of finances, combined of course with lack of political focus.
The book makes for grim reading. The problem seems insurmountable, its causes so numerous and varied and its consequences impacting so many people. Most importantly, the solution would require many widely different sections of people, not necessarily in political alignment with each other, to act in concert.
Despite this, the author manages to end on a hopeful note. If London can escape the pollution-linked smog caused by coal, and if China can reduce its deadly pollution levels by switching from coal to cleaner fuels, surely there's no reason we can't either.
This book is essential reading for anybody living in Delhi or its surrounding areas. The only problem is that you'll want to run away from home after reading the very first chapter!
Siddharth Singh's The Great Smog of India manages to both scare the hell out of the reader and give hope where none used to exist.
We all read the newspaper reports about the pollution levels in Delhi of course, but the consequences of those pollution levels on individual health (and therefore on India's health systems and its productivity as an economy) aren't quite so evident on a day-to-day basis.
This is what TGSoI does well. It begins by summarizing the impact of the pollution levels. Then it delves deep into each of the causes of the rise in pollution each winter, whether it's industrial pollution or vehicular emissions or the burning of agricultural residue or Delhi's geographical situation or the unique administrative hassles of Delhi as a city, state and capital.
The chapter on crop burning is done particularly well; it makes it crystal clear why the farmers of Punjab and Haryana have no option but to burn the crop residue every year, and why it's a comparatively recent phenomenon. I was surprised to learn that solutions to the crop burning issue do actually exist. The reason they are not being implemented is lack of finances, combined of course with lack of political focus.
The book makes for grim reading. The problem seems insurmountable, its causes so numerous and varied and its consequences impacting so many people. Most importantly, the solution would require many widely different sections of people, not necessarily in political alignment with each other, to act in concert.
Despite this, the author manages to end on a hopeful note. If London can escape the pollution-linked smog caused by coal, and if China can reduce its deadly pollution levels by switching from coal to cleaner fuels, surely there's no reason we can't either.
This book is essential reading for anybody living in Delhi or its surrounding areas. The only problem is that you'll want to run away from home after reading the very first chapter!
August 18, 2019
A much needed book for the times. Well researched and well articulated, it lays out the problem and possible solutions. But it is a book that is aware of the political realities of Delhi, and does not offer the irresponsible hope that many other environmental publications tend to. I am grateful to Siddharth Singh for undertaking this endeavor.
April 10, 2020
Air pollution. We have made countless projects during our schooling years and yet this book tells us, we haven't even seen the tip of the iceberg. Well written and the language is such that even those not in the energy sector can grasp the ideas.
December 23, 2018
Read this book to understand India's air pollution problem. Spend 6-8 hours to understand the most pressing issue of our age.
The author spent years to research different aspects of the problem. This book is a result of reading research papers, reports, government regulations and policies, "news", personal interviews and blogs. A lot of people don't realise the gravity of the pollution problem globally. With the lens of the city of Delhi and Indian problems, he explains what is air pollution. How and why is it getting worse? Who are the stakeholders that contribute to the problem? What has been tried to fix it? What kind of political/ technological / societal issues plague this complex issue.
The case of economic development in India is strong through sustainable development practices with energy efficiency focus.
I promote the book because he conveys the urgency of the situation to mitigate climate change. I talk about this book because I'm afraid people are too caught up in their lives to pause, read and evaluate a course of action; something that could be sustainable and less painful for all types of people.
The author spent years to research different aspects of the problem. This book is a result of reading research papers, reports, government regulations and policies, "news", personal interviews and blogs. A lot of people don't realise the gravity of the pollution problem globally. With the lens of the city of Delhi and Indian problems, he explains what is air pollution. How and why is it getting worse? Who are the stakeholders that contribute to the problem? What has been tried to fix it? What kind of political/ technological / societal issues plague this complex issue.
The case of economic development in India is strong through sustainable development practices with energy efficiency focus.
I promote the book because he conveys the urgency of the situation to mitigate climate change. I talk about this book because I'm afraid people are too caught up in their lives to pause, read and evaluate a course of action; something that could be sustainable and less painful for all types of people.
November 5, 2024
This was a quick read. I might reread it some day.
It teaches readers about the different contributors towards air pollution in India and why the northern states, especially Delhi and Punjab, struggle with it. I learnt a lot about crop burning, about the different agencies that divide climate conversation in India, and the logic behind electric cars, batteries, renewable energy and other aspects of pollution control.
It teaches readers about the different contributors towards air pollution in India and why the northern states, especially Delhi and Punjab, struggle with it. I learnt a lot about crop burning, about the different agencies that divide climate conversation in India, and the logic behind electric cars, batteries, renewable energy and other aspects of pollution control.
November 4, 2019
A thoroughly researched book on Air pollution in India. A must read for anyone who need to understand this problem in depth and Siddharth provides a holistic view to this problem.
December 14, 2018
Siddharth Singh in the first chapter of his book gives us a chilling statistic, "In sheer magnitude, air pollution kills over a million Indians every year- albeit silently. More residents of Delhi are killed, silently, every week than have been killed in terrorist incidents in the past decade. More Indians are killed every week by air pollution than have been killed in all India-Pakistan wars put together since Independence. Again, silently." The book has come at a time when the city grapples with poor air quality, failing health conditions, and our refusal to change our lifestyle.
With air pollution rising with increased force every passing minute, the author has attempted to give us a clear account of the cause behind India's decreasing air quality, the factors contributing to it and how human health is affected while exploring what pollution stands for and it's origination. The author goes on to articulate and compare how other countries tackled their air pollution crisis; whether it was a success or not, and further delves into the administrative issues that have hindered policies, and action.
We've all witnessed the air quality in Delhi deteriorating, adding to major health risks, accidents, and overall discomfort to the citizens. It's like the city is swallowed whole by a layer of black smoke. Singh says, "Air Pollution is a structural issue in the region, one that spans several states and countries. Particularly in the winters, a haze encompasses the entire northern Indian region." The situation is far worse than what meets the eye but the people are so used to it, and no longer take it seriously. During Diwali, despite severe warnings, people stepped out wearing masks to burn crackers. It's alarming how we're ready to ignore the health risks and continue being in denial.
Singh talks about the impact economic disparity has on healthcare. Those belonging to affluent and upper-middle-class families can afford private healthcare, while those who can't, have to deal with government hospitals that are ill-equipped, and understaffed and have little to no experience in treating patients. The dilapidated condition of the hospitals is not a myth. When working on a series, Vidya Krishnan, the health and science editor at The Hindu newspaper had to visit a government-run-hospital in Old Delhi. What she saw was alarming and terrifying. Not only did she spot cats roaming about in it, but they were also collecting placenta and biomedical waste to eat. If you think the horror ends there, you're wrong. The urinal was placed inside the maternity ward. When she expressed her concerns to a doctor, she was dismissed and asked to mind her own business. The poor continue to suffer, and with India's rising air pollution, the future looks bleak.
It comes as no surprise that children are facing the brunt of air pollution the hardest. There several ongoing studies both in India and other countries. One such study revealed negative impacts on language and mathematics skills measured in fourth-grade children due to particulate pollution. Naturally, the productivity of the working force is affected, which in turn affects the economy.
The book ends with the author giving us a summarized version of The Great Smog of India, the factors leading up to it, and the solutions to combat the issue. It is commendable how much research has gone into the making of this book; it's extensive and can be understood easily.
All in all, this book is a concise guide on understanding and learning about the big monster, air pollution, that has been looming and seems to only grow powerful.
With air pollution rising with increased force every passing minute, the author has attempted to give us a clear account of the cause behind India's decreasing air quality, the factors contributing to it and how human health is affected while exploring what pollution stands for and it's origination. The author goes on to articulate and compare how other countries tackled their air pollution crisis; whether it was a success or not, and further delves into the administrative issues that have hindered policies, and action.
We've all witnessed the air quality in Delhi deteriorating, adding to major health risks, accidents, and overall discomfort to the citizens. It's like the city is swallowed whole by a layer of black smoke. Singh says, "Air Pollution is a structural issue in the region, one that spans several states and countries. Particularly in the winters, a haze encompasses the entire northern Indian region." The situation is far worse than what meets the eye but the people are so used to it, and no longer take it seriously. During Diwali, despite severe warnings, people stepped out wearing masks to burn crackers. It's alarming how we're ready to ignore the health risks and continue being in denial.
Singh talks about the impact economic disparity has on healthcare. Those belonging to affluent and upper-middle-class families can afford private healthcare, while those who can't, have to deal with government hospitals that are ill-equipped, and understaffed and have little to no experience in treating patients. The dilapidated condition of the hospitals is not a myth. When working on a series, Vidya Krishnan, the health and science editor at The Hindu newspaper had to visit a government-run-hospital in Old Delhi. What she saw was alarming and terrifying. Not only did she spot cats roaming about in it, but they were also collecting placenta and biomedical waste to eat. If you think the horror ends there, you're wrong. The urinal was placed inside the maternity ward. When she expressed her concerns to a doctor, she was dismissed and asked to mind her own business. The poor continue to suffer, and with India's rising air pollution, the future looks bleak.
It comes as no surprise that children are facing the brunt of air pollution the hardest. There several ongoing studies both in India and other countries. One such study revealed negative impacts on language and mathematics skills measured in fourth-grade children due to particulate pollution. Naturally, the productivity of the working force is affected, which in turn affects the economy.
The book ends with the author giving us a summarized version of The Great Smog of India, the factors leading up to it, and the solutions to combat the issue. It is commendable how much research has gone into the making of this book; it's extensive and can be understood easily.
All in all, this book is a concise guide on understanding and learning about the big monster, air pollution, that has been looming and seems to only grow powerful.
December 27, 2018
Full review on the blog:
https://medium.com/kiranmayi-g/book-r...
For the past few years, every winter, India, especially the northern states, go through a heavy smog influence. While Delhi stands at the top of the list with the worst air quality, most of the northern states are no exception to this issue. The severity has only been increasing with each passing year, however, governments, and the population at large have only been going through this rather than taking serious steps to minimize it. This book is a comprehensive account of smog, its effects on human life, economy, and the various factors that contribute to smog.
The writer starts with the major factors causing smog and how the population living in these cities knowingly/unknowingly are exposed to it and hence the health risks faced by them. This in turn effects the economy, the sectors like public health and their inability to cater to the growing needs, quality of life of the residents and how the various sectors of the society are involved in this vicious cycle. The writer observes how this serious problem is interestingly not a point of discussion or agenda for any political parties during their election campaigns.
The writer then goes onto explain in detail the various factors like geographical disadvantage faced by some of these cities. Like how Chennai also is a hub for extreme industrial pollutants but the sea winds help in carrying away these particles. Cities like Delhi which lack a sea to carry away the pollutants also have added disadvantages like dust getting carried over from the Thar desert.
The next sections are dedicated to the forms and sources of energy generation and hence the resulting pollution, industrial wastes, pollution from automobiles, debate about public transport and the different fuels used by citizens, the habit of crop burning in states like Punjab which generally coincides with the winter months resulting in non-movement of the generated smoke. The next two sections gives detailed in sight into how the administration is handling this grave problem and how policy making is not helping the real cause. The writer concludes with how general public need to react and respond to this smog issue and what can be done starting from smaller to larger scales with respect to citizen responsibility.
The author has done in depth and extensive research around the subject and provides ample data and statistics to support all his arguments. The book is comprehensive, educative and stresses the need to understand and act on this issue before the situation goes further out-of-control.This book is a must-must read for all the citizens of India, to know the smog situation and the compelling reasons behind it, beyond what the news headlines speak about.
https://medium.com/kiranmayi-g/book-r...
For the past few years, every winter, India, especially the northern states, go through a heavy smog influence. While Delhi stands at the top of the list with the worst air quality, most of the northern states are no exception to this issue. The severity has only been increasing with each passing year, however, governments, and the population at large have only been going through this rather than taking serious steps to minimize it. This book is a comprehensive account of smog, its effects on human life, economy, and the various factors that contribute to smog.
The writer starts with the major factors causing smog and how the population living in these cities knowingly/unknowingly are exposed to it and hence the health risks faced by them. This in turn effects the economy, the sectors like public health and their inability to cater to the growing needs, quality of life of the residents and how the various sectors of the society are involved in this vicious cycle. The writer observes how this serious problem is interestingly not a point of discussion or agenda for any political parties during their election campaigns.
The writer then goes onto explain in detail the various factors like geographical disadvantage faced by some of these cities. Like how Chennai also is a hub for extreme industrial pollutants but the sea winds help in carrying away these particles. Cities like Delhi which lack a sea to carry away the pollutants also have added disadvantages like dust getting carried over from the Thar desert.
The next sections are dedicated to the forms and sources of energy generation and hence the resulting pollution, industrial wastes, pollution from automobiles, debate about public transport and the different fuels used by citizens, the habit of crop burning in states like Punjab which generally coincides with the winter months resulting in non-movement of the generated smoke. The next two sections gives detailed in sight into how the administration is handling this grave problem and how policy making is not helping the real cause. The writer concludes with how general public need to react and respond to this smog issue and what can be done starting from smaller to larger scales with respect to citizen responsibility.
The author has done in depth and extensive research around the subject and provides ample data and statistics to support all his arguments. The book is comprehensive, educative and stresses the need to understand and act on this issue before the situation goes further out-of-control.This book is a must-must read for all the citizens of India, to know the smog situation and the compelling reasons behind it, beyond what the news headlines speak about.
December 14, 2018
It was truly an insightful read with many key take-aways. If we care about the air we breathe in, we need to know how it is getting affected by various factors. The author has taken ample effort in demystifying air pollution and the various facets that need to be considered. Starting from the basics of what constitutes air pollution, particulate matter and its various sources, the first 3 chapters set the context very well, before diving into the reasons and sources that increase particulate matter in the air.
The author also raises valid concerns on the silence towards air pollution related issues and its impact on health care, employment and productivity of citizens, which would in turn impact the growing economy. After setting the context, the author has taken the reader on a journey by explaining the 5 main reasons behind the "great smog" in a clear and easy to understand language without any complicated jargon.
The author also raises valid concerns on the silence towards air pollution related issues and its impact on health care, employment and productivity of citizens, which would in turn impact the growing economy. After setting the context, the author has taken the reader on a journey by explaining the 5 main reasons behind the "great smog" in a clear and easy to understand language without any complicated jargon.
January 31, 2019
This is a wonderfully exciting and enlightening book!
The author has researched well and puts forward points with a rare alacrity one can offer with an issue as complex as air pollution and that too in a country like India. Simple english, multiple examples, gripping timeline, thorough explanation and apt solutions are provided. Also the timing of the release of the book was co incided with that of smog season in India. After reading this people will realise how complex the situation is and will know how to do their bit.
This is a must read for each Indian, even for the ones who live in non polluted areas of the country.
The author has researched well and puts forward points with a rare alacrity one can offer with an issue as complex as air pollution and that too in a country like India. Simple english, multiple examples, gripping timeline, thorough explanation and apt solutions are provided. Also the timing of the release of the book was co incided with that of smog season in India. After reading this people will realise how complex the situation is and will know how to do their bit.
This is a must read for each Indian, even for the ones who live in non polluted areas of the country.
August 16, 2019
There is a saying that 'Kindness is the best form of humanity'. But unfortunately and unabashedly, we have gone about proving to our environment, that we care two hoots. 'The Great Smog of India' is a write-up on how we have collectively dismissed any empathy towards Mother Nature, towards our very own existence.
There has been rampant pollution that has increased by the year and the sources of it have been plenty. From stubble burning, to urban construction, to cars emitting plumes of smoke (and so on). Unless we collaborate and set our priorities right, more sooner than later we are all going to face nature, unleash its fury on us. About time!
Stop the blame-game but band together. 📚
There has been rampant pollution that has increased by the year and the sources of it have been plenty. From stubble burning, to urban construction, to cars emitting plumes of smoke (and so on). Unless we collaborate and set our priorities right, more sooner than later we are all going to face nature, unleash its fury on us. About time!
Stop the blame-game but band together. 📚
June 1, 2025
This book is well-rounded and loaded with information - statistics on health impacts caused by air pollution, stories of people and places, anecdotes on how various policy (renewables, pollution control, etc) translated into reality. Each chapter dives into a different cause - agriculture, power, manufacturing and so on. There are tidbits from history (British era, early days after independence, liberalisation). Everything is tied together really well. 4 stars only because it’s not really an evergreen book (possibly because of the nature of the topic) and I’m reading it 8 years post publication and a lot of it is not really relevant anymore. Still worth a read.
September 19, 2020
The contents of the book itself is splendid, with lots of nuanced arguments and new perspective. It's a great read on air pollution and a commentary of India from that lens.
However, the writing could've been better. Chapters are split unevenly, and there's scope for the content in them to be organized better. Many anecdotes and even full sentences are repeated multiple times, making it a bit annoying (eg., "meteorological and geographical misfortune").
However, the writing could've been better. Chapters are split unevenly, and there's scope for the content in them to be organized better. Many anecdotes and even full sentences are repeated multiple times, making it a bit annoying (eg., "meteorological and geographical misfortune").
October 25, 2020
This book points out the effects of air pollution and particulate matter in North India , which otherwise go unnoticed. It also points out a govt measures taken wand what could be done to reduce administrative and technological bottlenecks. The book is too informative and also provides possible solutions in form of suggestions to the government and other stakeholder. It is a must read for all those who want to stay updated about environment especially about air pollution.
February 5, 2021
A fairly basic read on the various factors responsible for the smog that engulfs us every winter. The author has done good research on the issue and presents the facts along with the relevant history when needed.
But if one already reads the newspaper on a daily basis then there's nothing special about the book. You get bored because of the repetitive style of writing. All in all, a good book for someone who wants to get to know about the issue.
But if one already reads the newspaper on a daily basis then there's nothing special about the book. You get bored because of the repetitive style of writing. All in all, a good book for someone who wants to get to know about the issue.
November 8, 2020
May be i am over reaching and giving it a 4 star. may be 3.5 star is optimum. A general book, not many insights. If you have done your research not much new here. Still the author has given time to understand the situation and explain it to readers in easy words.
December 4, 2021
A primary reading for understanding the issue of air pollution and other manifestations of it enveloping the discourse of air pollution in India and specifically Delhi-NCR.
Extremely well-researched book and low on fancy jargons.
Extremely well-researched book and low on fancy jargons.
Read
June 23, 2022Wake up call about one of India's largest health crisis. It's a breezy read and a major number cruncher to those who resist stats. The author seems to have been in a pickle about how much lean into the mass audiences!
February 18, 2024
Excellent book. I feel everyone should read this and especially with the times right now. Anyone who's an entrepreneur or wants to become one in the field of renewable energy and other climate conscious products should benefit immensely from this.
May 16, 2020
Informative book, would recommend it if you're interested in getting to the bottom of the air pollution crisis in India.
May 23, 2021
By reading this book all I can say is that it make me think about my lungs as I lived in Delhi for 5 years and even during read I started feeling breathlessness.
July 17, 2020
Nothing about this book is mind blowing but it is a very accessible overview of India's energy policy and factors contributing to air pollution in the northern plains. Worthwhile as a jumping off point for deeper analyses.
February 16, 2020
Thorough account of the smog problem in Northern India
Read
December 27, 2018The Great Smog of India is a timely read on Delhi’s people, policies and pollution. For folks outside Delhi, the annual smog episodes in winter are mere headlines but this book brings into focus the challenges residents face on a daily basis.
It contextualizes the crisis through multiple lenses: historical, political and geographic. It also provides global references where cities have successfully tackled a similar situation.
It contextualizes the crisis through multiple lenses: historical, political and geographic. It also provides global references where cities have successfully tackled a similar situation.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews