Congress slams Modi govt. for being in ‘denial’ on impact of air pollution on mortality

People walk near Rashtrapati Bhavan shrouded in thick smog during early morning hours after Diwali night in New Delhi on November 9, 2026. | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

The Congress on Monday (November 9, 2026) lashed out at the Modi government for being in "denial" on the impact of air pollution on mortality in the country and called for tightening existing PM2.5 and ozone standards as well as revamping the National Clean Air Programme.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh cited the FICCI-EY report and pointed out that it categorically states that around 2 million deaths (about 22% of total) were attributable to air pollution in India in 2023.

The Modi government has long been in denial on the impact of air pollution on mortality in the country, the former Environment Minister said.

It has rejected, both in Parliament and outside, a number of studies on the grounds that they are not India-specific and that the impacts are not direct and uniquely attributable, Ramesh said on X.