-
According to a report by FICCI and EY, around two million people died due to air pollution in India in 2023
-
About 22 percent of the total deaths in the country are related to air pollution
-
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the Modi government
New Delhi : The Congress has alleged that the central government is denying the seriousness of the deaths due to air pollution in the country. According to the latest report by FICCI and EY, in 2023 around 20 lakh citizens died due to air pollution in the country. This figure is almost 22 percent of the total deaths. Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the Modi government citing the report.
The government dismisses the study report on pollution as not India-centric. However, the increasing amount of PM 2.5 is becoming fatal in many parts of the country. Ramesh said that citizens can breathe freely than 'ease of doing business'. Diwali fireworks have caused a huge increase in pollution in Delhi. According to Central Pollution Control Board data, air quality index at ITO was recorded at 406, Ghazipur at 418 and Rajiv Chowk at 381 on Monday morning.
Due to air pollution, India is losing about 19 to 20 lakh crores every year. Fine particles of PM 2.5 are inhaled and reach the lungs and blood stream causing serious diseases. Between 2009 and 2019, the entire population of India lived in areas with PM 2.5 above the WHO safe limit, a study found. The problem of pollution is now not limited to metros but has also spread to rural and industrial areas.
FAQ
1. How many deaths are caused by air pollution in India?
In 2023, about 20 lakh citizens died due to air pollution, the report said.
2. Which organizations released this report?
The report was prepared by FICCI and EY.
3. What percentage of total deaths were caused by air pollution?
The report states that nearly 22 percent of the total deaths are related to air pollution.