India, Feb. 7 -- Budget season had us Indians talking economics - news and social media were awash with discussions on deficits, market indicators, taxes, and subsidies. With inflation for certain food items skyrocketing and the rupee rapidly losing value against the United States (US) dollar, there was, rightly, a lot of soul-searching concerning these matters.

However, there is a major concern that does not make headlines as being a threat to the economy but can single-handedly bring an end to India's growth. I am referring to air pollution, largely over Delhi, but in considerable measure, over the entire stretch from Punjab to Assam.

A common worldwide standard is to treat an AQI of less than 50 as representing "good air". By this cr...