No Solid Data Links High AQI Directly to Lung Disease: Centre

• Central government states no solid data directly links high Air Quality Index (AQI) to lung diseases.
• Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh acknowledged air pollution exacerbates respiratory illnesses in a Rajya Sabha reply.
• Response to BJP MP Lakshmikant Bajpai's query on pulmonary fibrosis and reduced lung capacity in Delhi-NCR.
• Government initiatives include training modules, IEC materials, IMD early warnings, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, and Swachh Bharat Mission for clean air.
• These measures aim to protect vulnerable groups and improve public health awareness regarding air pollution.

Why It Matters: Centre denies direct data link between high AQI and lung disease, but promotes awareness and mitigation efforts.