Air pollution has become a matter of serious concern in many parts of the country, with Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, being no exception to the problem of air pollution, especially in its urban centers. The data from the Global Burden of Disease shows that about 17% of the total deaths in Jharkhand in 2019 were attributed to air pollution. The top five risk factors for mortality in the state in 2019 were air pollution, high blood pressure, unsafe water and poor sanitation, high blood sugar, and a poor diet. It is important to point out that air pollution is not only considered the world’s biggest environmental health threat, where it causes and exacerbates many diseases ranging from asthma to cancer, pulmonary diseases, and heart disease but now it is considered a serious threat for the quality of our life and possibly its survival.

Given the complex nature of the problem with its multiplicity of sources and effects, it is clear that there
is no “silver bullet” solution. Addressing this problem will require a multi-sectoral approach, driven by environmental and health data, science & evidence, and a proper strategy. Realizing the seriousness of the problems, the Government of India launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) in the year 2019, under which city-specific clean air action plans have been prepared for the prevention and control of air pollution. Ranchi has been selected as one of the million-plus cities under the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC) and an action plan has been prepared for the city with defined mitigation measures to control pollution from all sources. The formulation and implementation of an action plan is
important because improving air quality through emission reduction and stricter air quality regulations is the most effective strategy. Effective policies to reduce emissions at the source is clearly preferable but plenty of evidence also supports the importance of preventive measures and risk reduction because of the fact that air pollution will remain a reality for a few years even if the mitigation measures are being implemented efficiently.

With this background, the convening “Health Matters – Air Pollution and its Impacts” was organized to discuss and deliberate on the linkage between polluted air and the deteriorating health of people in
the state. The discussion focused on risk reduction and preventive measures for air pollution. It also provided a forum to discuss the effects of air quality on health and share experiences, needs, and concerns. A more practical and participatory approach was expressed as the need to achieve clean air with health at the forefront.