Question : HEALTH PROBLEMS DUE TO AIR POLLUTION

(a) whether there is high prevalence of respiratory and other diseases due to air pollution across the country;

(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 by the Government for the above purpose during the said period, State/UT-wise?

THE MINISTER OF HEATH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) to (c): As reported by the 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 Intelligence (CBHI), there is no specific information available on the number of cases and deaths due to air pollution in the country.

(d) and (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.