Activation of emergency air quality protocols in the capital is exposing the $36 billion economic drag from pollution, demanding bolder policy overhauls.
500+ searches track Stage 3 restrictions amid AQI spikes to 400+. Construction halts cost SMEs $500 million weekly.
Market impact: Healthcare burdens rise 20%, with respiratory cases up 30%. Tourism dips 15%, losing $1 billion yearly.
Policy implications: Updated emission inventories could target stubble burning, reducing PM2.5 40%. GRAP enforcement saves 300 lives per winter.
Consumer trends: EV adoption surges 25% amid health fears. Innovation in bio-decomposers cuts farm waste costs 50%.
