Claiming that death and disease cannot be conclusively linked to air pollution, the union health minister has pointed to several Government initiatives, including clean LPG programmes to address pollution
Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel claimed that there is no definitive data linking air pollution directly to specific deaths or diseases in a Rajya Sabha statement. Patel highlighted that while air pollution contributes to respiratory and associated ailments, its health effects are compounded by multiple factors such as diet, socio-economic status, and genetics.
Patel emphasised the Indian government's proactive measures to tackle air pollution, including the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which aims to improve health by providing clean LPG to households. The Swachh Bharat mission also includes a clean air component, while the National Clean Air Programme, launched in 2019, targets nationwide pollution reduction.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been implementing the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) since 2019, focusing on awareness, training, and surveillance of climate-sensitive health issues. The programme, which has now expanded across all states and Union Territories, includes guidelines on the impact of air pollution on children's health.