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6 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
5 min
Environment & EcologyPolity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

NGT Issues Notice to Centre Over Air Pollution's Impact on Newborns' Health

NGT seeks Centre's response on air pollution causing severe health issues in newborns.

NGT Issues Notice to Centre Over Air Pollution's Impact on Newborns' Health

Photo by Andrei Marinho

What HappenedThe National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday, January 5, 2026, issued notices to the Centre, the Delhi government, and other authorities, seeking their response to a plea highlighting the severe health impact of air pollution on newborns. The plea cited a study linking foul air to respiratory and other illnesses in infants.Context & BackgroundDelhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) consistently rank among the world's most polluted cities, especially during winter months. Air pollution, caused by vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, stubble burning, and construction dust, has been a persistent public health crisis. Previous studies have shown adverse effects on children's lung development and overall health.Key Details & FactsThe plea, filed by a concerned citizen, emphasized that newborns are particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to their developing respiratory systems. It highlighted that exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, reduced lung function, and increased susceptibility to infections. The NGT bench, headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, sought a detailed action plan from the authorities.Implications & ImpactThis NGT intervention underscores the urgent need for more effective air pollution control measures. If the Centre and state governments are compelled to implement stricter policies, it could lead to improved air quality, especially benefiting vulnerable populations like newborns. It also puts pressure on authorities to acknowledge and address the long-term health consequences of environmental degradation.Different PerspectivesEnvironmental activists and public health experts have long advocated for comprehensive, multi-sectoral approaches to tackle air pollution, including transitioning to cleaner energy, improving public transport, and regulating industrial emissions. However, implementation often faces challenges due to inter-state coordination issues, economic considerations, and lack of political will.Exam RelevanceThis news is highly relevant for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology - Pollution, Environmental Impact Assessment) and GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance - Statutory Bodies like NGT, Public Health). It highlights the role of environmental tribunals and the challenges of urban air pollution.

Key Facts

1.

NGT issued notices to Centre, Delhi govt on January 5, 2026

2.

Plea highlights air pollution's impact on newborns

3.

Study links foul air to respiratory illnesses in infants

4.

NGT bench headed by Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 3: Environment & Ecology - Pollution, Environmental Impact Assessment, Conservation

2.

GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance - Statutory Bodies (NGT), Public Health, Government Policies & Interventions

3.

GS Paper 1: Geography - Environmental Degradation, Urbanization issues

Visual Insights

Air Pollution Hotspots & NGT Jurisdiction in India (Jan 2026)

This map highlights Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) as a major air pollution hotspot, which is the focus of the NGT's recent notice. It also shows surrounding states contributing to the pollution issue (e.g., stubble burning) and the location of NGT's Principal Bench.

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📍Delhi (NGT Principal Bench)📍Punjab📍Haryana📍Uttar Pradesh

Key Air Pollution & Health Impact Statistics (Delhi, 2025-26)

A dashboard presenting critical statistics related to air pollution in Delhi and its health impact, especially on vulnerable groups like newborns, as highlighted by the NGT notice.

Delhi PM2.5 Annual Avg. (2025)
95 µg/m³+5% (vs. 2024)

Significantly higher than Indian NAAQS (40 µg/m³) and WHO guidelines (5 µg/m³), indicating persistent severe air quality issues.

Increase in Infant Respiratory Illness (2025)
25-30%

Estimated increase in respiratory illnesses among newborns in highly polluted areas compared to low-pollution areas, directly linking to the NGT plea.

NGT Air Pollution Cases (2025)
~600+10% (vs. 2024)

Number of cases filed/heard by NGT related to air pollution, reflecting increased judicial activism and public concern.

Economic Cost of Air Pollution (India, 2025)
~1.5% of GDP

Estimated annual economic loss due to premature deaths, healthcare costs, and productivity loss from air pollution.

More Information

Background

The genesis of environmental protection in India can be traced back to the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm (1972), which spurred global and national legislative action. India subsequently enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1974, followed by the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1981, primarily to address industrial and vehicular emissions. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 served as a grim reminder of environmental negligence, leading to the comprehensive Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.

Despite these laws, the need for a specialized environmental court became evident due to the backlog in traditional courts and the technical nature of environmental disputes. This culminated in the establishment of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, providing a dedicated forum for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India has intensified its efforts to combat air pollution beyond regulatory notices. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter concentration by 20-30% by 2024 in 131 non-attainment cities, adopting a multi-sectoral approach. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been institutionalized in Delhi-NCR, implementing emergency measures based on air quality levels.

There's a growing focus on transitioning to cleaner fuels, promoting electric vehicles through schemes like FAME-II, and adopting advanced technologies such as smog towers and anti-smog guns, though their efficacy remains debated. Furthermore, initiatives like the 'Parali Doosri Zindagi' (Stubble Burning Alternative) are exploring sustainable solutions for agricultural waste. The Supreme Court and NGT continue to play a proactive role, pushing for stricter enforcement and innovative solutions, reflecting a broader governmental and judicial commitment to public health and environmental quality.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. With reference to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India, consider the following statements: 1. The NGT was established under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, ensuring the right to a healthy environment. 2. It has jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to the environment is involved. 3. The NGT is bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, which is a statutory body, not directly under Article 21, though its mandate aligns with the right to a healthy environment derived from Article 21. Statement 2 is correct. The NGT has jurisdiction over all civil cases involving substantial environmental questions. Statement 3 is incorrect. The NGT is guided by the principles of natural justice and is not bound by the strict rules of procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, or the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. This allows it to adopt a more flexible and expeditious approach to environmental justice.

2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between PM2.5 and PM10 in the context of air pollution? 1. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, while PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. 2. PM2.5 is primarily generated from natural sources like dust storms, whereas PM10 is mainly from anthropogenic sources like combustion. 3. PM2.5 can penetrate deeper into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, making it more hazardous to human health than PM10. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. PM2.5 and PM10 are defined by their aerodynamic diameter. Statement 2 is incorrect. Both PM2.5 and PM10 have both natural and anthropogenic sources. However, PM2.5 is more predominantly associated with combustion processes (vehicles, industries, biomass burning), while PM10 can include coarser particles from dust, pollen, and construction activities. Statement 3 is correct. Due to its smaller size, PM2.5 can bypass the body's natural defenses, penetrate deep into the respiratory system, and even cross into the bloodstream, leading to more severe health impacts compared to PM10.

3. Consider the following measures taken by the government to combat air pollution in India: 1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 2. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) 3. Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms 4. FAME India Scheme Which of the above measures are primarily aimed at reducing vehicular and industrial emissions?

  • A.1, 2 and 3 only
  • B.3 and 4 only
  • C.1, 3 and 4 only
  • D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer

Answer: D

All the listed measures are aimed at combating air pollution, with a significant focus on vehicular and industrial emissions: 1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A comprehensive program to reduce particulate matter across 131 cities, which includes strategies to control industrial and vehicular emissions. 2. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): A set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR based on air quality, which includes restrictions on construction, industrial activities, and vehicular movement. 3. Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms: These are emission standards instituted by the Indian government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engines and spark-ignition engines, directly targeting vehicular emissions. 4. FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles): Promotes the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, thereby reducing emissions from conventional fuel vehicles.

Part of Story Threads

Delhi GRAP Restrictions January 2026

Implementation and lifting of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions in Delhi during January 2026 due to air quality fluctuations.

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