Congress Demands Government Action Following Lancet Pollution Study
Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh has issued a statement highlighting the severe pollution crisis in India, as detailed in a recent study published by “The Lancet Planetary Health.” The study reveals alarming statistics: air pollution is linked to 7.2% of all deaths in India, with about 34,000 deaths annually in just 10 cities. Delhi is the most affected, with 12,000 deaths each year, while cities like Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad also face thousands of pollution-related deaths. Even lower levels of PM 2.5 pollution are causing significant fatalities.
Ramesh criticised the Modi Government for its handling of pollution control. He pointed out that deadlines for installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment in coal power plants have been repeatedly delayed, prioritizing plant owners’ profits over public health. Rising LPG prices have increased indoor air pollution as families revert to using traditional chulhas for cooking.
Additionally, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has underutilized over 50% of its funds and set inadequate targets, with many cities lacking the data to track air pollution effectively. Environmental protections have been weakened, with significant legislation like the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2023 and the dilution of the Biological Diversity and Environmental Protection Acts.
The Congress has outlined key steps for the government. They call for a significant increase in NCAP funding to at least Rs. 25,000 crore. Air pollution norms for coal power plants must be enforced, requiring all to install FGDs by the end of 2024. The independence of the National Green Tribunal must be restored, and recent environmental law amendments should be rolled back. Moreover, the NCAP needs legal backing and robust data monitoring for all Indian cities.
Ramesh emphasised the need to revisit and overhaul the Air Pollution (Control and Prevention) Act of 1981 and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards established in 2009 to address the severe public health consequences of air pollution.
