GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
RAJYA SABHA
QUESTION NO 1942
ANSWERED ON 06.08.2015
Respiratory diseases due to air pollution
1942
Shri Jesudasu Seelam
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to satate :-
(a) the details of the range of respiratory diseases with regard to lung function, palpitation, vision and
blood pressure arising in children on account of air pollution in the country; and
(b) the details of increase in incidence of ARI (Acute Respiratory Infections) in children over the past
decade, State/UT wise and details of Governmental action regarding the prevention and control of these
diseases?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) Air Pollution in general causes respiratory ailments and also may affect lung function. Asthma,
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, chronic bronchitis etc. are the diseases caused by exposure to
increasing air pollution. Air pollution is known to be one of the aggravating factors for many respiratory
ailments and cardiovascular diseases.Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had conducted an
epidemiological study on ambient air quality, respiratory systems and lung functions of children in
association with the Chittranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata.
(b) The State-wise cases and death due to Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in all age groups including
children from 2006 to 2015 provided by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is at Annexure-I.
To minimize the impact of environmental pollution particularly air pollution, the Government has inter
alia taken the following actions:
• Notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009, envisaging 12 pollutants;
• Formulation of regulations/statutes;
• Setting up of monitoring network for assessment of ambient air quality;
• Introduction of cleaner/alternate fuel like CNG, LPG etc. and promotion of public transport network
including Metro;
• Creation of infrastructure for industrial pollution control incorporating cleaner production processes,
setting up of common pollution control facilities;
The Government after realizing the gravity of pollution, have also taken the following measures:
• Clean India Mission (Swatch Bharat Abhiyan) has been launched;
• Draft Rules for handing and management of municipal waste have been notified for comments of
stakeholders.
• Standards for sewage treatment plants have been notified for comments of stakeholders.
• Implementation of Bharat Stage IV norms in the 63 selected cities and Bharat Stage III norms in rest of
the country;
• National Air Quality index was launched by the Prime Minister in April, 2015 starting with 10 cities;
• Banning of burning of leaves/ biomass;
• Relevant draft rules, including those pertaining to construction and demolition waste have been
notified;
• Regular co-ordination meetings are being held at official and ministerial level with Delhi and other
State Governments within the National Capital Region (NCR) on 6th April, 13th April and 24th July, 2015
to control environmental pollution in NCR adopting air-shed approach;
• Short-term plan has been reviewed and long-term plans have been formulated to mitigate pollution in
NCR;
• Stringent industrial standards have been formulated and notified for public/stakeholder’s comments;
• Government is giving high priority for public partnership in lane discipline, car pooling, vehicle
maintenance, pollution under control certification etc.
• Out of 2800 major industries, 920 industries have installed on-line continuous (24X7) monitoring
devices.
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