No Concrete Data Of Air Pollution As Sole Cause of Death: Centre
Air pollution is one of many factors causing death such as medical history, food habits etc
In a press release ministry stated that air pollution is one of the many factors affecting respiratory ailments and associated diseases. It added Health is impacted by several factors which include food habits, occupational habits, socio-economic status, medical history, immunity, heredity, etc., of the individuals apart from the environment.
The press release further talked about steps taken by the government to improve the air quality. It includes the National Clean Air Programme, Notification of Ambient Air Quality Standards, Revision of emission standards for industrial sectors from time to time, introduction of cleaner/alternate fuels like gas fuel (CNG, LPG, etc.), promotion of ethanol blending, starting of National Air Quality Index, and leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel standards.
As per a press release, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was started by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in January 2019 to improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States by engaging all stakeholders. NCAP envisages a reduction of 20-30 per cent in PM concentration over baseline in the year 2017 by 2024. The target has been revised to achieve a reduction in PM10 level up to 40% or achievement of national standards (60 µg/m3) by 2025-26.
Under NCAP, an amount of Rs 19,614.44 crores has been earmarked to 131 cities during the period FY 2019-20 till FY 2025-26 out of which 49 million plus Cities/Urban Agglomerations are funded under the 15th Finance Commission air quality grant, and remaining 82 cities are funded by MoEF&CC under Control of Pollution Scheme. So far, an amount of Rs. 11,211.13 crore has been released to 131 cities to implement City Action Plans in their respective cities, stated the press release.
The press release also claims some positive outcomes such as 95 cities out of 131 cities have shown improvement in air quality in terms of annual PM10 concentrations in FY 2023-24 concerning the baseline of FY 2017-18. 18 cities have met National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10 (60 µg/m3) in FY 2023-24.
