The Centre has told Parliament that there is no definitive national data proving a direct link between deaths or illnesses solely caused by air pollution. This stance contrasts with numerous global studies that highlight India’s growing health burden linked to pollution.

The comments coincide with protests and renewed calls for decisive action to attain cleaner air due to the hazardous air quality in major Indian cities, especially in Delhi and the National Capital Region.

According to a study published in The Lancet Planetary Health last December, long-term exposure to contaminated air causes almost 1.5 million extra deaths in India each year as compared to a scenario in which the nation complies with the acceptable exposure limits set by the World Health Organisation. Advertisement

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