On World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR showed shocking levels of particulate matter. On this occasion, a question should have haunted us all: How can we violate our children’s right to health and well-being? Unfortunately, there is a fatalistic and grudging acceptance of air pollution as part of everyday living. The logic that the show must go on and business must remain uninterrupted is revealing. Our idea of what constitutes progress and prosperity is playing havoc with children’s minds and bodies.

Every year, from Delhi in India to Lahore in Pakistan, the situation worsens in winter. Children are forced to endure particulate matter-laden smog in order to get to school. The Commission for Air Quality Management issues advi

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