The Article Published in The Hindu Newspaper’s editorial section discusses the urgent need of the Environmental Health Regulatory Agency to integrate efforts to manage pollution and health, collecting data better to understand the link between pollution and its health impacts. Other Countries Such as the USA and Germany already have such agencies.
India is currently facing significant challenges due to pollution in its air, water, and soil, which are having severe effects on public health. Problems like asthma, heart diseases, and mental health disorders are becoming more common, especially among children, the elderly, and economically disadvantaged groups. At the same time, India’s greenhouse gas emissions have risen by more than 6% in just a year due to its rapid economic growth. These issues highlight the urgent need for strong measures to address pollution and its impact on health.
At present, different government departments handle pollution and health separately. The Central Pollution Control Board focuses on controlling pollution, the Ministry of Environment creates policies for environmental protection, and the Ministry of Health oversees disease monitoring. However, these departments don’t collaborate enough, making it difficult to address the combined challenges of pollution and health risks effectively.
To tackle this, India needs a new agency, the Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA). This agency would integrate efforts to manage pollution and health, collecting data to better understand the link between pollution and its health impacts. It would also help policymakers make informed decisions. Other countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan have similar agencies, which India can use as a model. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency not only regulates pollution but also considers its impact on public health and sustainable development.
The Environmental Health Regulatory Agency would focus on India’s unique issues, such as poor air quality, toxic chemicals, and diseases caused by environmental pollution. By using scientific research and data, it could develop policies and solutions tailored to these challenges. For instance, it could conduct studies to identify how pollution affects different parts of India and create targeted interventions to address these problems.
While some may worry that strict environmental regulations could harm economic growth, global examples show otherwise. Agencies like the U.S. EPA have demonstrated that such regulations can create jobs in clean energy and pollution control while improving public health. Similarly, an EHRA in India could encourage industries to adopt cleaner technologies, leading to job creation and a more sustainable economy.
Setting up the Environmental Health Regulatory Agency will come with challenges. Businesses might resist stricter regulations, and government processes can be slow. However, these obstacles can be overcome if the agency operates independently, is guided by scientific expertise, and has clear goals. Strong coordination between government departments and public support will also be essential for its success.
India has already made international commitments, such as reducing pollution under the Paris Agreement and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. An EHRA could help the country meet these promises by addressing climate and health issues together. It could also collaborate with global organizations to adopt the best practices and secure funding to support its efforts.
Public involvement will play a crucial role in solving these problems. The EHRA could raise awareness about the health impacts of pollution and empower communities to demand cleaner air and water. By working with local leaders, NGOs, and citizens, the agency could create healthier living environments and ensure accountability at all levels.
India’s pollution problems vary across regions, so solutions cannot be the same everywhere. Some areas may struggle more with air pollution, while others face water contamination or toxic chemicals in the soil. The EHRA could create tailored solutions for each region, ensuring that specific local needs are met effectively.
In summary, India urgently needs to address its growing pollution and health crises. Establishing the Environmental Health Regulatory Agency could bring a more coordinated and effective approach to solving these issues. By protecting public health, cleaning the environment, and supporting sustainable economic growth, the EHRA could play a vital role in securing a better future for India.
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The Editorial Page of The Hindu is an essential reading for all the students aspiring for UPSC, SSC, PCS, Judiciary etc or any other competitive government exams.
This may also be useful for exams like CUET UG and CUET PG, GATE, GMAT, GRE AND CAT
To read this article in Hindi –https://bhaarat.hellostudent.co.in/