Rethinking India's Battle Against Air Pollution

Jairam Ramesh, highlighting air pollution as a major health issue in India, advocates for a comprehensive approach beyond stubble burning. He calls for a revision of the Air Pollution Act and stresses shifting towards renewable energy, electric vehicles, and public transport for a sustainable future.

Former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh emphasized the pressing public health challenge posed by air pollution in India during his statement on Wednesday. He advocated for a reevaluation of India's economic and sustainability models, suggesting a large-scale transition to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and public transport.

Ramesh urged the government to amend The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 to reflect the adverse health outcomes of air pollution. He also recommended reviewing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, 2009, to address contemporary pollution challenges.

Referring to a report from The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, Ramesh underscored the alarming statistics of 1.6 million deaths in India linked to air pollution in 2021. He noted that fossil fuels contributed significantly to these fatalities and urged immediate action to curb vehicle emissions.

(With inputs from agencies.)