Question : Impact of Air Pollution on Health

(a) whether the Government has taken note of studies by the WHO and the State of Global Air, 2017 by the Health Effects Institute and Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at University of Washington and University of British Columbia, indicating large scale premature deaths in India due to air pollution;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any study on air pollution in the country and its impact on health and if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
(d) whether the level of air pollution in the country is rising faster than that of China and rapid rise in the level of Particulate Matter 2.5 in the air is adversely affecting the health of the people and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of concrete steps/ measures taken by the Government to check air pollution in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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Statement referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 166 due for reply on 14.03.2017 regarding ‘Impact of Air Pollution on Health'' by SHRI C.R. PATIL and SHRI RAYAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO, Hon''ble Members of Lok Sabha

(a) to (c) Government is aware of the reports published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Effects Institute (HEI) regarding the impact of air pollution on human health in terms of higher casualty rate due to air pollution. The reports are based on models, simulations and extrapolations. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has carried out epidemiological studies to assess the impact of pollution on human health. Air Pollution could be one of the triggering factors for respiratory ailments and associated diseases. However, there are no conclusive data available in the country to establish direct correlation between diseases and air pollution. Health effects of air pollution are generally synergistic manifestation of the individual’s food habits, occupational habits, socio-economic status, medical history, immunity, heredity, etc.

(d) The CPCB monitors ambient air quality across the country in association with State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). While the levels of Particulate Matter shows fluctuating trend, the value of SO2 is reported to be generally within the permissible limits. Values of NO2 are also generally within permissible limits except for few cities. Data on air quality for China is not available.

(e) Steps taken by the Government to check air pollution, inter alia, include notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards; formulation of environmental regulations/ statutes; setting up of monitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality; introduction of cleaner / alternate fuels like gaseous fuel (CNG, LPG etc.), ethanol blending; promotion of cleaner production processes; launching of National Air Quality Index; comprehensive amendments to various Waste Management Rules and notification of Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules; banning of burning of leaves, biomass, municipal solid waste; promotion of public transport and network of metro, e-rickshaws, Pollution Under Control Certificate; regular co-ordination meetings at senior official and ministerial level with Delhi and other State Governments within the NCR; issuance of directions under Section 18(1)(b) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for controlling air pollution; installation of on-line continuous (24x7) monitoring devices by major industries; and notification of Graded Response Action Plan for different levels of air pollution in NCR, etc.

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