Over the years, several studies have been conducted by different organizations, using different methodologies, on the impact of air pollution. However, there is no conclusive data available to establish a direct correlation of life expectancy exclusively with air pollution, the government informed parliament in the ongoing monsoon session.
Air pollution is one of the many factors affecting respiratory ailments and associated diseases. Health is impacted by a number of factors which include food habits, occupational habits, socio-economic status, medical history, immunity, heredity, etc., of the individuals apart from the environment. As per National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the annual average standard for PM2.5 concentrations is 40 µg/m3. Reasons for exceeding the National Standards for PM2.5 concentrations may be due to pollution from transport sector, road dust, biomass burning, open dumping, waste and industrial pollution.
Environment is a polycentric and multi-facet problem affecting human existence, the Supreme Court observed a long time ago. Its pollution causes bodily disabilities, leading to the non-functioning of the vital organs of the body, experts say.
It is imperative to understand that it affirms both aspects of environment, the natural and the man-made. The protection is essential to well-being and to the enjoyment of basic human rights–the right to life itself.
Over the years, the government says various steps towards prevention and control of pollution caused by various industries were taken by it. The steps towards control of industrial pollution inter alia include the adherence by SPCBs and PCCs in States and Union Territories respectively to ensure the compliance of various standards. So far, industry specific environmental standards, for about 80 industrial sectors, have been notified.
The SPCBs/PCCs issue consent to establish/ consent to operate and authorization to the industries in the States verifying the permission granted by concerned authority for land conversion for setting up of industry. Also, the SPCBs/PCCs monitor the compliance of industrial emissions/effluent discharges and other operational activities according to the prescribed standards.
CPCB carries out inspection-cum-Monitoring of 17 categories of highly polluting industries on random basis, selected on the basis of the real time data received through OCEMS installed in industries. In case of non-compliance, action against industry ought to be taken under provisions of Water Act, 1974, Air Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. All the concerned need to take appropriate steps as warranted under law to ensure that pollution levels are kept under check for human existence.
