‘80 people die in city daily due to air pollution’

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that polluted air, particularly the respirable particulate matter is one of the several factors responsible for morbidity and premature deaths. “An international study released recently has claimed that foul air is killing up to 80 people a day in Delhi. The numbers of premature deaths given in the study are based on the constructive estimates and extrapolations of data,” the minister said.

He said that government had sponsored two studies in Delhi, “Epidemiological Study on Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health in Delhi” during 2002-2005 and “Study on Ambient Air Quality, Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function of Children in Delhi” which was carried out during 2003-2005. 

“The studies indicate that several pulmonary and systemic immunity and damage to chromosomes and DNA and other health impairments are associated with cumulative exposure to high level of particulate pollution that increases the risk of various diseases including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” Javadekar said. 

He also added that of 2,800 highly polluting industries required to install online monitoring systems, industries have set up 920 such devices as on June 30. In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar said that 2,800 industries under 17 categories of highly polluting industries are required to install online monitoring system.

Of these, the industries have installed 920 devices, he said. Javadekar said that grossly polluting industries located in the Ganga basin are also required to install <g data-gr-id="23">online</g> monitoring system for effluents.

“The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued directions to direct all industries falling under 17 categories of highly polluting industries to install online effluent/emission monitoring system <g data-gr-id="21">inluding</g> (those of) public sector like Steel Authority of India Limited, National Aluminium Company Limited and National Thermal Power Corporation Limited,” he said.