New delhi: India’s air pollution crisis has escalated into a grave threat to the health of its population, the party has described the worsening situation as not merely a respiratory concern but a “full-blown assault” on the cognitive and physical well-being of the people.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the State of Global Air 2025 report was cited by Jairam Ramesh, the National Congress party’s general secretary in charge of communications, in a statement shared on social media. Ramesh highlighted a concerning statistic from the report, noting that nearly 2 million deaths in India in 2023 were attributed to air pollution, marking a 43 percent increase since the year 2000.

Ramesh emphasized that exposure to fine particulate matter, specifically PM2.5 particles measured in micrograms per cubic meter, is now associated with brain damage and accelerated cognitive decline. He described the air pollution issue as a “public health catastrophe and a national security threat,” warning of its implications on India’s society, healthcare infrastructure, and future workforce.

In a stark illustration of the crisis, the air quality index in Delhi was recorded at 324 on Sunday, falling within the ‘very poor’ category. The situation in the capital is exacerbated by industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and widespread construction, all contributing significantly to the deteriorating air quality.