The Union Health Secretary issued an updated
advisory on Monday to states and union territories regarding air pollution.
The advisory includes recommendations for states and
UTs to strengthen existing health systems and raise awareness among vulnerable
groups and at-risk occupations.
The advisory suggests developing detailed action
plans at the district and city levels to address climate change's health
impacts, including strategies to combat air pollution. It also emphasises
expanding the network of sentinel hospitals to monitor air pollution-related
illnesses within each state or union territory for effective response and
monitoring.
The statement outlines a strategy for health
departments and healthcare facilities to better prepare for the impacts of air pollution
by increasing public awareness through targeted messaging in regional languages
across various media channels, educating healthcare workers on air
pollution-related health issues, and actively monitoring air pollution-related
diseases through sentinel surveillance systems under the National Programme on
Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH).
The advisory also highlights the heightened risk of
air pollution for vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, the
elderly, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and workers exposed to
pollution.
Air quality has worsened in several cities,
including Mumbai, Delhi, and regions in northern India, reaching severe levels.
The deteriorating air quality has raised concerns over various health risks.
Meanwhile, in the national capital, the Supreme
Court on Monday directed Delhi and all governments in the National Capital
Region (NCR) to strictly implement GRAP Stage IV anti-pollution measures, as
the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the "severe" category.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and
Augustine George Masih also directed Delhi-NCR states to immediately form teams
to monitor actions required under the plan.
The court further ordered the continuation of GRAP
Stage IV measures even if the AQI falls below 450 and instructed all NCR states
and the central government to file compliance affidavits.