Air quality rules will now be quite strict in India — you can’t pollute an industrial hub more than you pollute your homes.

A revised set of National Ambient Air Quality Standards is sending mixed signals across the country. My neighbour asked me in the elevator last evening," Does it mean we are allowed to pollute as much as the industries do? Or will it mean industries will have to lower emissions to meet standards set for households?"

True to his style, India’s environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh has unveiled another set of ‘path-breaking’ rules after taking controversial stands on India’s emissions and receding of the Himalayan glaciers.

“We have removed the distinction between industrial and residential areas. This is very important. Now standards will be uniform irrespective of whether it is classified as industrial or residential area,” Ramesh said after making the fresh announcement. The new standards, in line with European Union norms, will promote clean fuel and that is expected to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Earlier rules allowed lower air quality in industrial areas compared to residential areas.

The usual peeve, as always, will be implementation. Though the Central Pollution Control Board and its sisters in the state have shown promise as capable implementing authorities, much can be said about their willingness and efficiency. Proactive, forward-thinking rules are always welcome, but is anyone listening?