(a) whether vehicular pollution is the main cause of increasing
pollution in Delhi and other metropolitan cities;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any study to ascertain the
various diseases caused by air pollution;
(d) if so, the estimated percentage of people getting ill due to
air pollution; and
(e) the action taken by the Government to check the pollution and
prevention of diseases caused thereby?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND
FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) to (e) Vehicular pollution is one of the sources of air pollution
in Delhi and other metropolitan cities. According to some epidemiological
studies, health effects such as manifestation of respiratory and
cardiovascular aliments etc. could be associated with air pollution. No
statistical data is available regarding the number of persons suffering
from respiratory disorders caused due to pollution in various cities. Steps
taken by the Government to control environmental pollution include formulation
of a comprehensive policy for abatement of pollution, supply of improved
auto-fuel, tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms, mandatory
environmental clearance for specified industries, management of municipal,
hazardous & bio-medical wastes, promotion of cleaner technologies, strengthening
the network of air quality monitoring stations, preparation and implementation
of action plans for major cities & critically polluted areas, public awareness
etc.