Jairam Ramesh warns air pollution poses threat to health and national security

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday issued a stark warning about India’s worsening air pollution crisis, describing it as more than just a respiratory issue—it has become a severe assault on the brain and body, with far-reaching public health and national security implications.

Taking to social media platform X, Ramesh shared alarming statistics: “In 2023, approximately 2 million deaths in India were linked to air pollution—a 43 percent increase since 2000.” He highlighted that nearly nine out of ten of these deaths stem from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, and even dementia.

India’s air-pollution mortality rate stands at around 186 deaths per 100,000 people, more than ten times the rate in high-income countries, which is 17 per 100,000. “Air pollution accounts for about 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,” Ramesh noted.

He also emphasized recent evidence linking exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to brain damage and accelerated cognitive decline. Globally, an estimated 626,000 dementia deaths in 2023 were associated with air pollution—a striking revelation that underscores this silent, pervasive threat.

“Air pollution is not only a public health catastrophe but also a national security threat to our society, healthcare system, and future workforce,” Ramesh warned.

Ramesh criticized India’s current air quality standards, pointing out that permissible PM2.5 levels are eight times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guideline and four times higher than the 24-hour guideline. Despite launching the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2017, PM2.5 levels have continued to rise, with every single Indian now residing in areas that exceed WHO limits.

“We urgently need to radically review the NCAP and update the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), last revised in 2009 after a thorough exercise,” Ramesh urged, calling for immediate and decisive action to combat this escalating crisis.

His warnings resonate amid growing public concern over pollution’s impact on health and livelihoods, challenging policymakers to prioritize clean air as a fundamental right and national imperative.