Congress slams Modi govt over pollution mortality denial
In short
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attacked the Modi government over air pollution and deaths. He cited a FICCI-EY report that linked about 2 million death cases to pollution in 2023.
He said India needs stricter PM2.5 and ozone limits and a stronger National Clean Air Programme.
What the reporting says
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the Modi government over its stance on air pollution and mortality, citing a FICCI-EY report that linked around 2 million death cases to pollution in 2023. He said the findings show the need to tighten PM2.5 and ozone standards to World Health Organization levels and revamp the National Clean Air Programme to improve public health outcomes.
Why it matters
Jairam Ramesh, speaking for Congress, linked the Modi government’s position on air pollution to a FICCI-EY report that estimated around 2 million death cases in 2023. The report’s policy ask was to bring PM2.5 and ozone standards closer to World Health Organization levels. The comments put pressure on the government’s public health and clean-air agenda.