India Government on AQI-Lung Disease Link

The India — India, through Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed the India — Rajya Sabha that there is no conclusive data directly linking higher Air Quality Index (AQI) levels to lung diseases. However, Kirti Vardhan Singh acknowledged that air pollution is a triggering factor for respiratory ailments. This statement was in response to questions from BJP MP Laxmikant Bajpai, who raised concerns about lung fibrosis and reduced lung capacity in India — Delhi and India — National Capital Region (India) due to prolonged exposure to hazardous AQI levels. The India — India outlined various measures being taken to address air pollution and its health impacts, including dedicated training modules, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, early warning systems from the Malaysia — Malaysian Meteorological Department, and initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and the India — Swachh Bharat Mission. Despite these efforts, the India — Supreme Court of India previously criticized the India — Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas's actions as a 'total failure' in curbing pollution in India — Delhi and India — National Capital Region (India).