Issue

Details

Implications

Fragmented Regulatory Framework

Governance divided among multiple ministries like MoEFCC and MoHFW, leading to a disconnect between environmental monitoring and health impact assessments.

Ineffective responses to pollution-related health issues.

Outdated Legislation

Existing laws like the Water Act, 1974, and Air Act, 1981, are outdated and fail to address modern pollution sources or incorporate contemporary science.

Inadequate regulation of new environmental challenges.

Insufficient Data Collection

Lack of comprehensive data on health impacts of pollutants; no centralized body to synthesize research like that conducted by ICMR.

Ineffective regulation and weak public health interventions.

Inadequate Enforcement Mechanisms

Weak enforcement due to bureaucratic inertia, lack of resources, and political influence; poor monitoring of compliance with pollution control measures.

Pollution control measures are often violated without consequences.

Exemptions in New Regulations

Rules like the Remediation of Contaminated Sites Rules, 2024, exclude certain contaminated sites (e.g., radioactive sites, abandoned mines).

Significant areas remain unaddressed for cleanup and remediation.

WHO on Healthy Environments

Clean air, stable climate, safe water, sanitation, safe chemicals, radiation protection, healthy workplaces, sound agriculture, health-supportive cities, and preserved nature are essential for good health.

Air Quality Issues

• Clean air is vital; pollution includes particulate matter (dust, smoke) and gases (CO, NOx, ozone). Sources include vehicles, industries, and fires.
• Health risks involve lung cancer, heart disease, and childhood asthma.
• Occupational risks affect firefighters and military personnel, such as exposure to burn pits.

Health Risks of Water Pollution

• Clean water and sanitation are critical. Risks include industrial runoff, agricultural practices, sewer overflows, and storm runoff.
• The Flint, Michigan lead crisis caused developmental delays in children.
• The EPA plans to replace all lead pipes in the US by 2023.

Built Environment

• Proximity to unsafe facilities increases health risks. Issues include lead pipes, asbestos, and "food deserts" lacking access to nutritious foods.
• Health effects include obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Initiatives like Healthy Food Financing improved diets.

Climate Change and Health

• Climate impacts include reduced crop yields, rising sea levels, and increased storms.
• Health risks involve pathogen growth in warmer or flooded waters affecting water activities, food, and drinking water.
• The EPA adapts strategies for addressing climate health effects.

Initiative

Key Points

EHS Guidelines Implementation

Utilize World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines to establish comprehensive standards for managing environmental health risks across various industries.

Framework for EPH Functions

Adopt the EEPHF framework by PAHO to define roles for health actors and governance structures for effective environmental health management.

Comprehensive Risk Management

Implement a structured risk management framework similar to the US EPA to evaluate contaminants and exposure pathways comprehensively.

Environmental Health Incident Management

Use a coordinated framework like Australia’s system for responding to environmental health incidents, including preparedness, communication, and inter-sectoral collaboration.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.India needs an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) to integrate environmental and health data. Discuss the challenges in India’s current environmental health regulations and the potential benefits of establishing such an agency. (250 words)