Government Acknowledges Air Quality's Role in Respiratory Ailments

The government informed Parliament there's no conclusive data linking AQI levels to lung diseases, though air pollution contributes to respiratory issues. The minister highlighted initiatives under the NPCCHH and Swachh Bharat Mission for mitigating air pollution and disseminating health-related information to vulnerable groups.

The Indian government has told Parliament that no direct link between higher air quality index (AQI) levels and lung diseases has been conclusively established. However, air pollution is recognized as a factor in respiratory ailments, explained Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written statement to the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Addressing a question from BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpayee, Singh acknowledged ongoing concerns about hazardous AQI levels in Delhi-NCR potentially leading to serious respiratory conditions such as lung fibrosis and reduced lung elasticity. Bajpayee questioned the government's measures to protect residents from diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In response, Singh outlined initiatives by the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), including specialized training and education programs targeting vulnerable groups. Additionally, early warning systems and clean air initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission reflect government efforts to combat air pollution's health impacts.