New Delhi, Nov. 3 -- The air is visibly toxic in the NCR. Doctors tell us to avoid exercising in peak pollution, even urging locals to not walk outdoors early morning. Try afternoons, we are told. Yet, golf courses are open early morning, and people, including the elderly, play the sport as if the air is perfect. Gyms without purified air, itself a huge luxury, allow guests in as early as 6am. And people continue to run outdoors in the morning. Can we expect any spontaneous behaviour change without firm State action? We require a cut off AQI after which we don't allow gyms, golf courses, sports complexes to open before 11am and close by 6pm. The exception should be indoor facilities, with both AQI and carbon dioxide levels monitored. The argument about public convenience in this context is false. You cannot privilege convenience over health and quality of life. Air pollution causes dementia, low birthweight, cancers, strokes, heart attacks, dry eyes and respiratory crises. We need strong action from the government, with no holds barred. Air pollution of the kind we are seeing in the region should be treated like a war -- it must be fought with the idea of victory. The public should be informed about why this battle is important. And yes, if people are outraged about not being able to workout, let them appreciate the serious health risks of air pollution. Hard, non-negotiable steps are the only way ahead, and the government should not shy away. Some issues need a war -- air pollution is one....