- The State of Global Air 2019 has stated that exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to over 1.2 million deaths in India in 2017 and is the 3rd largest cause of death among all health risks. The report is a systematic annual study of the health effects of global air pollution and is published by Health Effects Institute (HEI).
- The report has added that the present high level of air pollution has shortened the average lifespan of a South Asian child by two-and-a-half years. Globally the reduction in life expectancy due to air pollution stands at 20 months.
- Air pollution had led to 5 million deaths in 2017 across the globe and he South Asian region (Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan) alone had accounted for over 1.5 million deaths.
- According to the Health effects Institute, if the major steps taken in India to curb air pollution are fully implemented could result in significant health benefits in coming years. Important steps taken to combat air pollution in India include a) Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, b) accelerated Bharat Stage VI clean vehicle standards, and c) National Clean Air Programme
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna seeks to replace unclean cooking fuels used in the most underprivileged households with clean and more efficient LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). A major objective of the scheme is to ensure smoke-free houses and thus curb indoor air pollution.
- The Indian government has also decided to skip BS-V and directly move to BS-VI from 2020. It has further agreed to advance the proposed date for Euro-VI from 2026 to 2020.
- In 2019, National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has been launched for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in India. It aims at 20%–30% reduction of PM2.5and PM10 concentration by 2024, taking 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration. The programme targets 102 non-attainment cities.
