New Delhi: Petitioners addressing India’s severe air pollution crisis submitted a plea to Parliament on December 5, 2024 according to the information on ET Health World, urging lawmakers to convene a joint session to address the issue. Civil society members described the situation as an “unprecedented environmental and public health disaster” and called for immediate action to tackle the worsening air quality across the country.
The petition, addressed to all Members of Parliament, highlighted data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), revealing that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently been in the “poor” or “very poor” category since September 2023. During the winter months, AQI levels reached “hazardous” ranges, soaring between 1,500 and 2,000.
Key Points Raised in the Petition
The petition highlights alarming statistics, including data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and India’s own Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), indicating that India is home to 22 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities. The petitioners pointed out the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health, particularly on vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
It also cited studies linking air pollution to a surge in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reduced cognitive function, and a potential impact on life expectancy. The economic burden of air pollution is equally severe, with billions of dollars lost annually due to health-related productivity declines and healthcare costs.
The petition calls for the following immediate measures:
- Joint Parliamentary Session: Convening a special session to discuss comprehensive strategies and legislative frameworks for addressing air pollution.
- Stricter Regulations: Implementing stricter emission norms for industries and vehicles, along with enhanced monitoring and penalties for non-compliance.
- Clean Energy Initiatives: Accelerating the adoption of renewable energy sources and phasing out fossil fuel-based power generation.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching nationwide campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of reducing air pollution, including behavioral changes such as minimizing waste burning and adopting eco-friendly practices.
- Investment in Green Infrastructure: Allocating funds for urban greening projects, including the creation of green belts and afforestation programs.
Government Response
While the government has implemented several measures, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), critics argue that these efforts have been insufficient and lack the urgency required to address the scale of the crisis. The petitioners urged lawmakers to take bipartisan action, emphasizing that clean air is a fundamental right and a prerequisite for sustainable development.
Responding to the petition, a senior official in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said, “We acknowledge the severity of the air pollution issue and are committed to enhancing our efforts. The petition will be reviewed, and we will engage with stakeholders to find actionable solutions.”
A National Imperative
As winter approaches, the problem of air pollution is expected to worsen, particularly in northern India, where stubble burning and adverse weather conditions contribute to severe smog episodes. The petitioners stressed that failure to act decisively could have dire consequences for future generations.
The proposed joint session would be a critical step toward ensuring accountability and mobilizing resources to combat the crisis effectively. Advocates believe that this could set a precedent for treating environmental issues as national emergencies deserving the highest level of legislative attention.
Public and Civil Society Support
The petition has garnered widespread support from citizens and advocacy groups, with thousands signing online campaigns demanding accountability and immediate action. Several prominent environmental organizations, including Greenpeace India and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), have backed the call for a joint parliamentary session.
Sunita Narain, a leading environmentalist, remarked, “Air pollution affects everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. This is a crisis that demands not just government action but also active participation from industries and citizens.”
