Breathing in India: A Photographic Exploration

At present, we are the fifth most polluted country in the world; and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution reduces the average Indian life expectancy by 6.3 years. Even if pollution were reduced to meet national standards, the average life expectancy would be shortened by 3.4 years. By mitigating air pollution, not only can we prevent the negative health effects of exposure to harmful pollutants, but also combat climate change.

Mumbai, 1 January 2023

Paras Singh, Program Associate: “It seems like Mumbai is setting the scene to its very own post-apocalyptic film.”

Mumbai, 11 January 2023

Shloka Nath, CEO: “Out at sea, a glowy haze settles over the city’s waters at sunset.”

Chennai, 19 January 2023

Krishnapriya J, Intern: “Even unfocused, the pollution takes centre stage.”

Gurgaon, 7 February 2023

Nitin Kesar, Communications Manager: “Orange hues- Though these colours look spectacular to observe, it is also an indication of increased pollution. Due to the abundance of anthropogenic aerosols, heavily polluted cities tend to have more orange and red sunsets.”

Clean air is vital for all life, as it directly affects the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment. For communities, clean air is essential for good health, well-being, and overall quality of life. For ecosystems, clean air helps maintain the delicate balance of the environment, and supports the growth and sustainability of plant life, which in turn provides habitat and food for animals and birds.

Goa, 25 September 2022

Manavi Bhardwaj, Program Consultant — Land Use: “The privilege of being able to view a dramatic sky at sunset.”

Mumbai, September 2020

Saurabh Punamiya, Advisor: “Blue skies, clear sunsets, and reduced industrial activity during Covid-19 led to almost low to no emissions from the refineries on the east coast.”

Wayanad, 15 October 2022

Dipesh Singh, Operations Manager:

“Immaculate nature at its best;
All the answers are in there!
Just need to see the world through mother nature’s lens.”

Ranthambore National Park, 25 October 2022

Ajita Tiwari Padhi, Program Manager — Land Use:

“Let the hue be blue…
As I stand appreciating the beauty in nature, treasuring this reflection,
of partridges, sunbirds and weavers; of trees, and greenery in full expression
without an iota of air pollution
here lies our resurrection; balancing and protecting this interconnection
our only path to redemption- a planet without air pollution.”