New Delhi, March 16 (HS): Drawing from a recent report by the Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, Congress General Secretary and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has aimed criticism at the Central Government. He has also offered some suggestions. The party leader claims that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, the air quality situation has rapidly deteriorated across the country, attributing this to the government’s apathy and policy chaos.

Congress leader Ramesh has accused the government of denying the problem of mortality rates related to air pollution. He stated that targeted programs aimed at reducing pollution are struggling with insufficient funding, improper utilization of allocated resources, and issues of fund misappropriation. The government needs to take clear steps forward.

According to IQAir’s report, India is the fifth most polluted country in the world. Out of the 100 most polluted cities globally, 74 are in India. Following Bernihat in Meghalaya, the national capital (Delhi) is the second most polluted city in the world.

Congress General Secretary Jairam has suggested that the government must acknowledge the public health crisis related to air pollution in India’s vast regions. There should be a significant increase in funding available under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Focus should be redirected to key sources of emissions such as burning of solid fuels, emissions from vehicles, and industrial emissions. Accurate data monitoring capabilities should be provided for every Indian city, and air pollution standards for coal power plants should be implemented immediately. The autonomy of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) should be restored.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar