Politics · India · 11 hrs ago
Congress urges stricter air rules after report links pollution to 2 million deaths
Congress criticized the Modi government for rejecting claims about air pollution’s effect on deaths in India.
A FICCI-EY report says air pollution was linked to about 2 million deaths in 2023, or around 22% of the total.
The debate came as Delhi’s air quality reached an AQI of 370 the day after Diwali, with some monitoring stations recording 437.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called for tighter PM2.5 and ozone standards in line with World Health Organization safety levels.
He also urged the government to revamp the National Clean Air Programme and replace the 1981 Air Act with a law focused on public health.
Delhi’s air quality was forecast to reach severe levels and remain there for days.
Congress called for stricter air pollution standards and changes to India’s clean-air programme after a report linked pollution to around 2 million deaths.
The FICCI-EY report said air pollution was attributable to about 22% of deaths in India in 2023.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi government of denying the impact of air pollution on mortality.
Ramesh urged the government to tighten PM2.5 and ozone standards to WHO-recommended safety levels.
Delhi’s air quality was very poor after Diwali, with the city’s AQI at 370 on November 9, 2026.
- Who
- The Congress, represented by general secretary Jairam Ramesh, called on the Modi government to act.
- What
- Congress urged stricter PM2.5 and ozone standards, a revamped National Clean Air Programme and a new Clean Air Act.
- When
- November 9, 2026.
- Where
- India; Delhi’s air quality was also reported.
- Why
- A FICCI-EY report said around 2 million deaths, about 22% of the total, were attributable to air pollution in India in 2023.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Congress criticised the Modi government and called for tighter air pollution rules, citing the FICCI-EY report.
Delhi’s AQI reached 370 a day after Diwali, with the city’s air quality reported as very poor.
- Deaths attributed
- Around 2 million in India in 2023
- Share of total deaths
- About 22%
- Congress spokesperson
- Jairam Ramesh
- Delhi AQI
- 370 on November 9, 2026
- Worst monitoring stations
- DTU and Burari Crossing, both at AQI 437
What people are saying
Ease of doing business is fine but ease of breathing is even more fundamental
This is yet another wakeup call for the somnolent Modi Government