New Delhi: The Union Health Secretary on Monday issued an updated advisory to states and union territories regarding air pollution. The advisory includes recommendations for states and union territories to strengthen existing health systems and create awareness among vulnerable groups and at-risk businesses.
Suggestions for Developing Plans
The advisory suggests developing detailed action plans at the district and city level to address the health impacts of climate change, including strategies to combat air pollution. It also emphasizes on expanding the network of sentinel hospitals for monitoring air pollution related diseases within each state or union territory for effective response and monitoring.
Instructions given to make people aware
It outlines strategies for health departments and health facilities to better prepare for the effects of air pollution, including creating public awareness through targeted messaging in regional languages on various media channels and proactively addressing health issues related to air pollution. But monitoring is involved. Prevention of related diseases through sentinel monitoring systems under the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCH).
The advisory also highlights the increased risk of air pollution for sensitive populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, persons with pre-existing medical conditions and workers exposed to pollution.
Air quality has reached critical levels in many cities, including Mumbai, Delhi and parts of North India. Deteriorating air quality has raised concerns about various health risks.
AQI remains in severe category
Meanwhile, in the national capital, the Supreme Court on Monday directed all governments of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to strictly implement GRAP Phase 4 anti-pollution measures as the air quality index (AQI) remained in the “severe” category. Remained in the category. , made of
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the Delhi-NCR states to immediately form teams to monitor the necessary works under the scheme.
The court further ordered continuation of GRAP Phase IV measures even if the AQI drops below 450 and directed all NCR states and the Central government to file compliance affidavits.
