Amid growing concerns over India’s alarming pollution levels, the Congress party has called for a comprehensive revamp and enforcement of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards of 2009. This demand comes in the wake of revelations about critical health hazards posed by PM2.5 concentrations.
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress General Secretary, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged the government to prioritize PM2.5 reduction in the National Clean Air Programme. Notably, data from The Lancet indicated a substantial rise in mortality rates due to PM2.5 pollution over recent years.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air’s analysis of ambient air monitoring data revealed non-compliance with WHO guidelines across major Indian cities. With significant funds already invested in pollution control efforts, the efficacy of these measures remains in question.
(With inputs from agencies.)