(a) whether the Government proposes to strengthen the Pollution Control Boards and to make them more transparent and accountable in view of 1.2 million deaths reported per year in the country due to air pollution;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to bring new national policy on pollution in view of the fact that the present laws are not sufficient to control pollution; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a)&(b), Central Government has launched a Central Sector Scheme in 2018, ‘Control of Pollution’, with total outlay of Rs 460.96 crore for 2019-20 with objectives that include strengthening of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) by providing assistance for abatement of pollution to SPCBs/PCCs with special provision to SPCBs/PCCs of weaker States/UTs and North Eastern States and implementation of National Clean Air Program as major components.
Further, there are no conclusive data available in the country to establish direct correlation of death/ disease exclusively due to air pollution though air pollution has an impact on respiratory ailments.
(c)&(d) Air quality regulation and actions for abatement of air pollution are undertaken under various provisions of The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 which prescribe the mechanism and authorities for addressing the issue. These Acts have been comprehensively formulated to facilitate the abatement and control of air pollution in an effective manner.
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