Homes that breathe

Amid worsening Air Quality Index in India, what can prospective homebuyers do to avoid air pollution risks?

The rapidly worsening air quality in India has a direct correlation to our housing choices. Increasing urbanisation, industrial proliferation and population growth are prompting homebuyers to prioritise the quality of their living environments.

Many suburban areas with lower population density and more green open spaces offer relief from urban pollution. Planned cities such as Chandigarh, Navi Mumbai and PCMC (Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation) showcase the effective separation of residential and industrial zones, improving overall air quality for all concerned.

Recent reports on the air quality in Indian cities have pointed out an ongoing public health problem. A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal reveals that close to 7% of deaths in 10 major cities in the country is directly linked to PM2.5 air pollution (fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres). These tiny particles pose a severe risk as they can enter the lungs and even the bloodstream, leading to severe health complications.

The research, which examined data from cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, among others, shows that PM2.5 levels exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended thresholds on all days. The study highlights that for each increase of 10 micrograms per metre, there is an uptick in daily mortality rates.

In the absence of planned development, many suburban areas are also at risk. Rapid real estate development will eventually turn green sanctuaries into polluted urban-like environments. The ongoing crisis has prompted researchers to advocate for the enforcement of air quality standards in the country. The current standards in India are much looser than WHO’s recommendations, allowing for 60 micrograms per metre compared to the WHO limit of 15 micrograms per metre.

The study underscores the importance of India adopting and effectively implementing practices in pollution control to prevent further loss of life.

The need for regulations cannot be emphasised enough. However, until they are in place and actively implemented, the only choice homebuyers have is to pick their properties wisely. For this, the Indian residential real estate sector has introduced integrated townships as a solution. With comprehensive infrastructure, convenience, enhanced security, and well-designed residential spaces, these contribute to controlling air pollution effectively.