NEW DELHI, Dec 9 : Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav informed the Rajya Sabha that India lacks conclusive evidence directly attributing deaths or diseases solely to air pollution, emphasizing its role as one among multiple contributing factors.
In a detailed written reply, Jadhav noted air pollution acts as a trigger for respiratory conditions and related illnesses, but health outcomes result from a complex interplay of individual elements like diet, occupation, socioeconomic conditions, medical background, immunity, and genetics.
Government Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution Impact
The government has rolled out comprehensive measures since 2019 through the National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), focusing on awareness, capacity building, health preparedness, and partnerships for climate-sensitive issues. Key achievements include a dedicated “Health Adaptation Plan” for air pollution and state-specific action plans for all 36 states and Union Territories, each featuring targeted interventions to mitigate effects.
Public health advisories are regularly issued to states and UTs, alongside nationwide campaigns timed for World Environment Day (June 5), International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (September 7), and National Pollution Control Day (December 2). Specialized training modules have been created for medical officers, nurses, ASHA workers, and vulnerable groups such as women, children, traffic police, and municipal staff.
Early Warnings and Broader Schemes
The Indian Meteorological Department provides air quality forecasts and early alerts to health sectors and communities, aiding proactive responses. Complementary national programs like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana supply LPG for cleaner cooking to protect women and children, while Swachh Bharat Mission integrates “Swachh Hawa” efforts to clean urban and rural environments. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s National Clean Air Programme, launched in 2019, drives nationwide pollution reduction strategies.
