Congress Slams Government for Denying Air Pollution Deaths
New Delhi: The Congress criticized the government’s claim in the Rajya Sabha that there is no conclusive data linking deaths or diseases to air pollution in India. Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel’s statement was called a “shocking lie” by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh.
Ramesh highlighted a recent study in the Lancet journal, which reported that 7.2% of all deaths in India are due to air pollution, accounting for about 34,000 deaths annually in 10 cities. He blamed government policy chaos and the ineffective National Clean Air Program for these deaths.
Patel, in her response, acknowledged air pollution’s role in respiratory ailments but emphasized that health effects are influenced by various factors. She mentioned initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Swachh Hawa under Swachh Bharat to address air pollution issues.
The controversy underscores the importance of addressing air pollution for public health and calls for more transparency and action from the government.
Published on 30 July 2024, 20:42 IST