Terming it a major public health emergency, YSRCP MP Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla Tuesday raised the issue of air pollution crisis in the country during the Zero Hour in Rajya Sabha, and called for a “war on pollution”.
“Air pollution has escalated into one of India’s most pressing public health emergencies. Nearly one in every seven residents in Delhi faces the risk of premature death because of air pollution. Over 17,000 deaths last year were directly attributed to deteriorating air pollution. The Capital’s AQI frequently remains in the severe category, driven by vehicular emissions, biomass burning and construction dust,” he said.
He said a “similar crisis was unfolding in Visakhapatnam as the level of PM10 had increased by 32.9% in the past seven years”. This, he said, was “despite the allocation of Rs 129.4 crore under the National Clean Air Programme for Andhra Pradesh while only Rs 39.6 crore has been utilised.”
In order to tackle the problem, he said there was a “need for social and political will to declare a war on pollution”. He also spoke of the importance of correct air quality data.
Earlier, during the Zero Hour, BJP MP Rekha Sharma raised a demand for modernising Anganwadi kitchens and including millet-based dishes in food prepared for children. She also proposed upgrades, including stainless steel utensils and food storage, clean preparation counters, safe drinking water units and exhaust systems for ventilation.
She also called for integration of SHGs for supply of nutritious food and strengthening of digital monitoring and growth tracking systems in Anganwadis.
BJP MP Kunwar RPN Singh demanded establishment of a Kendriya Bhojpuri Sahitya Academy in Kushinagar and Deoria districts of Uttar Pradesh for preserving and promoting the language.
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He said it would provide a platform for literary figures and artists from Seemanchal, Mithila and Nepal.
BJP MP K Laxman flagged an increase in drug abuse in the country, which he said, was affecting the youth and could also have national security implications.
