Congress Demands Robust Union Budget to Combat Air Pollution

The Congress party has criticized the Modi government for poor policy-making in addressing air pollution and called for a substantial increase in funding and resources for the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted the severe health consequences and misdirection of resources, urging significant systemic changes in the forthcoming Union Budget.

The Congress party has leveled strong accusations against the Modi government, describing its policy-making in tackling air pollution as inadequate and misguided. They have called for comprehensive measures in the upcoming Union Budget to provide local bodies, state governments, and the Centre with the necessary resources and equipment to address this critical public health issue.

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh underscored the severity of the crisis, citing a study that attributes 7.2% of all deaths in India to air pollution. He pointed to the National Clean Air Program's (NCAP) current budget of approximately Rs 10,500 crore, spread across 131 cities, as drastically underfunded.

Ramesh argued that funds are poorly allocated, with minimal focus on critical emissions like PM 2.5. He criticized the government for spending disproportionately on road dust mitigation and called for a significant increase in funding, legal backing for NCAP, and enhanced data monitoring capabilities. Ramesh emphasized that the forthcoming Union Budget must lay out a strategic pathway to systematically address India's air pollution crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)