Is There a 'Nationwide Public Health Emergency' Due to Rising Air Pollution in India?
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Synopsis
A recent PIL filed in the Supreme Court highlights the devastating impact of air pollution across India, urging immediate action to safeguard public health and enforce environmental laws effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The PIL highlights a national public health crisis driven by air pollution.
- Over 1.4 billion people are daily exposed to hazardous air quality.
- Current monitoring and enforcement of air quality standards are inadequate.
- The petition calls for urgent judicial intervention and systemic policy changes.
- Health risks from pollution affect all citizens, undermining wellness initiatives.
New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Supreme Court, calling for immediate judicial action regarding the "nationwide public health emergency" stemming from the alarming increase in air pollution throughout India.
The petition, initiated by wellness advocate and Fit India Movement supporter Luke Christopher Countinho, asserts that despite a robust legal framework and continuous policy declarations, air quality in both rural and urban areas remains consistently poor, hazardous, and in violation of the fundamental right to life.
"The situation has escalated to a level where over 1.4 billion citizens are forced to breathe toxic air daily — a clear violation of Article 21," the plea emphasizes.
The writ petition points out that annual averages of PM2.5 and PM10 in prominent cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, and Patna frequently surpass the permissible limits established by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), as mandated by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
It also highlights that PM2.5 concentrations are recorded at approximately 105 micrograms/cubic meter, nearly 20 times the WHO's advised safe limit of 5 micrograms/cubic meter.
"This ongoing and systemic failure exists despite the Air Act, the Environment Protection Act, the National Clean Air Programme (2019), and various regulatory authorities, including the Commission for Air Quality Management,
the petition argues, noting that monitoring infrastructure is insufficient and enforcement remains weak, fragmented, and largely symbolic.
"Air pollution is no longer just an environmental concern — it has evolved into a rapidly expanding industrial and policy sector, highlighting both the depth of the crisis and the potential for systemic change," asserts the petition.
It argues that even individuals who adopt wellness practices focused on yoga, nutrition, and lifestyle changes are denied access to clean air, undermining national health strategies and putting millions at risk of severe respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological challenges.
The PIL urges the Supreme Court to issue time-sensitive directives aimed at ensuring a meaningful decrease in ambient air pollution, enhancing the nation’s monitoring infrastructure with adequate coverage in both urban and rural areas, and effectively implementing the Air Act along with other environmental regulations.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize that the ongoing air pollution crisis is a multi-faceted challenge that demands a cohesive national response. The recent PIL underscores the urgent need for systemic policy changes and effective enforcement of environmental standards to protect the health of citizens across India.
NationPress
06/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue addressed in the PIL?
The PIL addresses the urgent need for judicial intervention to combat the severe air pollution crisis in India, which is claimed to be a nationwide public health emergency.
Who filed the PIL?
The PIL was filed by wellness advocate Luke Christopher Countinho, who is also a champion of the Fit India Movement.
What are the proposed actions in the PIL?
The PIL urges the Supreme Court to issue time-bound directions for reducing air pollution, enhancing monitoring infrastructure, and enforcing existing environmental laws.
What health risks are associated with air pollution?
Air pollution poses significant risks including respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases to millions of citizens.
What is PM2.5 and why is it significant?
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. It is significant because its concentration levels in major Indian cities exceed safe limits, posing serious health risks.
