Citing a World Bank report on air pollution that claimed around one million premature deaths happen annually in the Indo-Gangetic and the Himalayan foothills, the Congress on Sunday (January 18, 2026) asked how long the Narendra Modi government would continue to remain in “denial” over a deepening public health crisis. Referring to the World Bank’s latest report, “A Breath of Change”, Congress general secretary (communications) and former Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said the findings were comprehensive, evidence-based and unambiguous. The report estimates that air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the Himalayan foothills is responsible for around one million premature deaths every year, while causing economic losses amounting to nearly 10% of the region’s gross domestic product annually. Mr. Ramesh said the report clearly outlined the steps required to address the problem. Stressing the need for “tougher and uncompromising” enforcement of pollution norms without any relaxation or dilution, Mr. Ramesh asked, “How long will the Modi government live in denial?”

Source: The Hindu January 18, 2026 12:45 UTC