Background

Across urban India, air pollution continues to remain one of the most pertinent environmental and public health challenges, especially in densely populated cities like Delhi where prolonged exposure to poor air quality has become a part of everyday life. Children and underserved communities are often among the most vulnerable, as they may not only experience greater exposure to polluted environments but also face more limited access when it comes to availing of  protective resources and timely healthcare support. According to UNICEF, nearly 1 in 3 children globally are exposed to dangerously high levels of air pollution, while reports from IQAir consistently rank Delhi among the world’s most polluted cities during several months of the year.

The effects of air pollution extend far beyond just physical health. Research increasingly suggests that poor air quality can influence children’s concentration, sleep quality, energy levels, and overall wellbeing, while also shaping broader educational and developmental outcomes. At the same time, awareness surrounding practical mitigation strategies and access to resources like air filtration, environmental studies and protective practices remain uneven across families. Studies estimate that over 90% of children worldwide breathe air that exceeds WHO pollution guideline limits, highlighting the growing need for interventions that are as awareness-driven as they are community-based. 

AirAware hopes to be that very intervention. One that approaches this challenge through a combination of  environmental awareness, accessibility-focused interventions, and people’s participation. By focusing on practical, low-cost, and locally adaptable approaches, the project aims to contribute toward better informed and more resilient responses to urban air pollution.