No link between air pollution & deaths: Govt
The Indian government has made a startling claim that has sparked debate and controversy among environmentalists and health experts. Minister of State for Health, Prataprao Jadhav, told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that there was no conclusive data in India to establish a direct link between deaths exclusively with air pollution. This statement has raised eyebrows, as it seems to contradict the widely accepted notion that air pollution is a significant contributor to mortality rates worldwide.
According to Jadhav, “The health effects of air pollution are a synergistic manifestation of factors, which include food habits, occupational habits, socioeconomic status, medical history, immunity, heredity, etc.” This implies that the government believes that air pollution is just one of many factors that contribute to health problems, and that it is not possible to isolate its impact on mortality rates.
This statement has been met with skepticism by many experts, who point out that there is a wealth of evidence from around the world that suggests a clear link between air pollution and premature death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nine out of ten people worldwide breathe polluted air, and that air pollution is responsible for seven million premature deaths every year. In India, the situation is particularly dire, with the country being home to some of the most polluted cities in the world.
The government’s claim that there is no conclusive data to establish a link between air pollution and deaths is also at odds with the findings of numerous studies that have been conducted in India. For example, a study published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health found that air pollution was responsible for 1.2 million deaths in India in 2017. Another study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to particulate matter (PM) 2.5, a common air pollutant, was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease in India.
So, what could be the reason behind the government’s claim that there is no link between air pollution and deaths? One possible explanation is that the government is trying to downplay the severity of the air pollution problem in India. By suggesting that air pollution is just one of many factors that contribute to health problems, the government may be trying to shift the focus away from the need for urgent action to reduce air pollution.
Another possible explanation is that the government is trying to avoid taking responsibility for the air pollution problem. By claiming that there is no conclusive data to establish a link between air pollution and deaths, the government may be trying to avoid being held accountable for the lack of progress in reducing air pollution in India.
However, this approach is unlikely to be effective in the long run. The air pollution problem in India is too severe to be ignored, and the government will eventually be forced to take action to address it. In fact, the government has already taken some steps to reduce air pollution, such as launching the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019. The NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) 2.5 concentrations by 20-30% by 2024, and to achieve a 50% reduction in PM 2.5 concentrations by 2029.
In conclusion, the government’s claim that there is no link between air pollution and deaths is a controversial and misleading statement. While it is true that air pollution is just one of many factors that contribute to health problems, the evidence suggests that it is a significant contributor to mortality rates in India. The government needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing the air pollution problem, rather than trying to downplay its severity or avoid taking responsibility for it.
The government’s statement has also sparked a debate about the need for more research on the health effects of air pollution in India. While there is a wealth of evidence from around the world that suggests a clear link between air pollution and premature death, more studies are needed to understand the specific context of India. This includes the types of pollutants that are most prevalent in Indian cities, the populations that are most vulnerable to air pollution, and the most effective strategies for reducing air pollution.
Ultimately, the key to addressing the air pollution problem in India will be to take a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. This includes reducing emissions from vehicles and industries, increasing the use of clean energy, and improving waste management practices. It also includes raising awareness about the health effects of air pollution, and promoting behaviors that can help to reduce exposure to air pollutants.
As the debate about the link between air pollution and deaths continues, one thing is clear: the government needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing the air pollution problem in India. This includes investing in more research, implementing effective policies to reduce air pollution, and promoting public awareness about the health effects of air pollution.
Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/1998360503333355572
About the Author
