'We Need A Separate Ministry To Combat Air Pollution': Dr Sanjeev Bagai
Senior consultant pediatrician and Chairman of Nephron Clinic, Professor Dr Sanjeev Bagai, warned that severe air pollution is causing irreparable multi-generational damage to public health in India. He highlighted that ultrafine particulate matter, toxic gases, carcinogens, and micro-nanoplastics penetrate deep into the bloodstream, crossing the blood-brain barrier and damaging DNA chromosomes. Dr Bagai noted severe health outcomes, including stillbirths, congenital heart defects, childhood leukemia, stunting, and increased cancer risks. He stressed that preconception exposure for prospective parents alters genetic material, impacting future generations. Calling for urgent policy measures, Dr Bagai asserted: 'We need a separate ministry to combat air pollution.' He demanded an iron-fisted five-year implementation plan led by doctors, scientists, and environmentalists to eliminate road dust, establish no-traffic zones, regulate construction, and improve public transit.
Dr Bagai noted severe health outcomes, including stillbirths, congenital heart defects, childhood leukemia, stunting, and increased cancer risks. He stressed that preconception exposure for prospective parents alters genetic material, impacting future generations.
Calling for urgent policy measures, Dr Bagai asserted: 'We need a separate ministry to combat air pollution.' He demanded an iron-fisted five-year implementation plan led by doctors, scientists, and environmentalists to eliminate road dust, establish no-traffic zones, regulate construction, and improve public transit.
