With reference to air pollution in India as per the FICCI-EY report, consider the following statements: 1. Air pollution in India resulted in over two million deaths in 2023. 2. The annual economic cost of air pollution in India is estimated at $50 billion. 3. The report suggests a national-only approach to mitigate regional pollution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

India's air pollution caused over two million deaths in 2023, FICCI report warns

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains· 11 November 2026

Public health and economic impact of air pollution: a critical GS3 Environment and Economy case study.

Why in news

FICCI, in collaboration with EY, issued a report warning that air pollution in India caused over two million deaths in 2023 and urged an 'air shed' approach to mitigate regional pollution.

Background

The FICCI-EY report states that air pollution in India resulted in over two million deaths in 2023. The economic cost of this pollution is estimated at up to $95 billion annually.

Facts for Prelims

FactFICCI-EY report estimates over two million deaths due to air pollution in 2023
FactAnnual economic cost of air pollution in India is estimated at up to $95 billion
PlaceAir shed approach: A regional strategy proposed by FICCI to address pollution

Prelims practice question

With reference to air pollution in India as per the FICCI-EY report, consider the following statements:

Air pollution in India resulted in over two million deaths in 2023.
The annual economic cost of air pollution in India is estimated at $50 billion.
The report suggests a national-only approach to mitigate regional pollution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (a) 1 only — Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The report estimates the cost at up to $95 billion annually. Statement 3 is incorrect: The report urges an 'air shed' approach to address regional pollution.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the economic and public health implications of air pollution in India and evaluate the feasibility of an 'air shed' approach for regional mitigation.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Economic productivity loss: High morbidity and mortality rates leading to significant annual fiscal losses and human capital erosion
Regional coordination: Challenges in synchronizing pollution control measures across state borders under an air shed framework

Keywords: Public health emergency · Air shed approach · Economic productivity · Regional pollution · Morbidity

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