India’s air pollution crisis result of policy failure: Cong slams govt

PTI, Jul 21, 2024, 11:28 AM IST

Accusing the Modi government of “poor policy-making” in dealing with air pollution, the Congress on Sunday demanded that the forthcoming Union Budget must provide a path forward to resourcing and equipping India’s local bodies, state governments, and the Centre in tackling this “grave public health crisis”.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said earlier this month, a study revealed that 7.2 per cent of all deaths in India are associated with air pollution — about 34,000 deaths each year in just 10 cities.

A new study by the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi has evaluated the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and brought to light the policy chaos that has resulted in this public health crisis, he said in a statement.