Jairam Ramesh Warns Air Pollution Now a National Security Threat for India
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has issued a stark warning about India’s worsening air pollution crisis, describing it as more than just a respiratory issue, it is now a national health and security emergency. Sharing alarming statistics on X, Ramesh revealed that in 2023, nearly two million deaths in India were linked to air pollution, marking a 43 percent increase since 2000. He emphasized that air pollution is no longer confined to the lungs; it affects the heart, brain, and overall human health on an unprecedented scale.
Air Pollution Crisis in India Causes Millions of Deaths
According to Jairam Ramesh, nearly 90 percent of deaths caused by air pollution in India stem from non-communicable diseases like heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, and dementia. India’s mortality rate linked to air pollution stands at 186 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to just 17 in high-income nations. Ramesh further highlighted that 70 percent of COPD deaths, 33 percent of lung cancer deaths, 25 percent of heart disease deaths, and 20 percent of diabetes deaths in India are caused by toxic air exposure.
Air Pollution and Its Effect on the Brain and Body
The Congress leader cited new scientific studies linking exposure to PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, to brain damage and accelerated cognitive decline. He said that globally, an estimated 626,000 dementia-related deaths in 2023 were associated with air pollution, underscoring its deep neurological impact. “This is not only a public health disaster but also a national security challenge threatening our society, economy, and future workforce,” Ramesh cautioned.
India’s Pollution Standards Far Below Global Norms
Ramesh criticized India’s outdated air quality norms, noting that the country’s permissible PM2.5 levels are eight times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual standard and four times above its 24-hour guideline. Despite the launch of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2017, pollution levels have continued to rise. Every Indian now lives in areas exceeding WHO’s safe air limits.
Urgent Call for Clean Air Reforms in India
Calling for decisive action, Ramesh demanded an overhaul of the NCAP and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which were last updated in 2009. He urged the government to recognize clean air as a fundamental right and make it a national priority. “The time for half-measures is over. India must act now to safeguard the health and productivity of its people,” he concluded.
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