'So-called PM 3.0' needs to worry about PM2.5: Congress’ dig over Delhi air quality
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the National Clean Air Programme for concentrating on PM10 while overlooking PM2.5, which he called the real health threat. He urged the government to shift its focus to the finer particles that cause the most serious illnesses.
Jairam Ramesh, a senior figure in the Indian National Congress, raised concerns about the current design of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). In his remarks, he highlighted that the programme places a heavy emphasis on monitoring and reducing particulate matter of 10 microns (PM10). While PM10 does affect visibility and can irritate the respiratory system, Ramesh argued that the policy does not give enough attention to the smaller particles that penetrate deeper into the lungs.
The finer particulate matter, known as PM2.5, measures 2.5 microns or less and is linked to a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung disorders. Scientific studies have shown that long‑term exposure to PM2.5 can reduce life expectancy and increase hospital admissions. In Delhi, where air quality frequently breaches safe limits, the prevalence of PM2.5 has been identified as a major factor behind rising rates of asthma and other respiratory ailments among children and the elderly.
Ramesh’s comments come at a time when the central government is preparing to roll out the next phase of NCAP, which aims to cut overall particulate pollution by 30 percent by 2030. By drawing attention to the gap in the programme, he hopes to influence policymakers to allocate more resources toward measuring, reporting, and mitigating PM2.5 levels. For Indian readers, especially those living in heavily polluted cities, the issue directly affects daily health, work productivity, and long‑term wellbeing, making it a matter of public interest.
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