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Government Denies Direct AQI-Lung Disease Link Amid Criticism

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 18, 2025, Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha there is no direct link between higher AQI and lung diseases.
He said air pollution triggers respiratory illnesses but data do not conclusively link it to specific outcomes.
Singh cited government actions, including the 2020 establishment of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The Supreme Court criticized the CAQM’s effectiveness.

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Story summary

On December 18, 2025, Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha there is no direct link between higher AQI and lung diseases.
He said air pollution triggers respiratory illnesses but data do not conclusively link it to specific outcomes.
Singh cited government actions, including the 2020 establishment of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The Supreme Court criticized the CAQM’s effectiveness.