Question : DISEASES CAUSED BY AIR POLLUTION

(a) whether the Government has taken note of high prevalence of respiratory and other diseases due to air pollution in various parts of the country including Delhi;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the estimated number of people suffering from diseases due to exposure to polluted air and deaths occurred therefrom in the country during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(d) the corrective measures taken/proposed by the Government to ensure adequate medical facilities for the patients suffering from diseases caused by air pollution; and

(e) the funds allocated and spent to control the diseases caused by air pollution in the country during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise?

MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) to (c): As reported by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), no conclusive information is available regarding high prevalence of respiratory and other diseases due to air pollution. As reported by Central Bureau of Health Investigation (CBHI), there is no specific information available on the number of cases and deaths due to air pollution in the country.

(d) & (e): Air Quality is monitored under integrated Ambient Air Quality Management System called National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP). The network is sponsored by CPCB and execution is done jointly by CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) in respective states and five Pollution Control Committees in various Union Territories alongwith Research Institutes at 537 monitoring stations covering 222 cities all over the country.

Government of India is implementing National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for prevention and control of various diseases. Under NRHM, the State/UT Governments project their requirements in annual Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) for improvement of health infrastructure and for providing adequate medical facilities. Specific allocation of funds for diseases caused by air pollution is not made under NRHM.