Air pollution takes toll on mental health: Delhi govt informs NGT

Air pollution exposure worsens mental health outcomes in India, leading to feelings of sadness, cognitive difficulties, and a reduced ability to cope with life's challenges, the Delhi government has submitted before the National Green Tribunal.

Earlier, observing that the "psychological aspect" of the dip in the air quality in the national capital required analysis, the tribunal had sought replies from various authorities, including the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

A bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that the health department of the Delhi government had filed its response highlighting different studies showing the adverse effects of air pollution on health.

The report submitted by the heath department also said that air pollution increased psychological distress of people, especially in rural and economically vulnerable populations, the tribunal noted in an order dated April 2.

Environmental pollutants, particularly air polluters, are "linked to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood changes, and psychotic disorders, with notable impacts on subjective well-being, psychiatric symptoms, and psychological disorders across different populations," the bench said citing the report.

The Delhi government's report suggested general measures, such as being active and talking to a therapist, along with specific measures such as opting psychiatric services by government hospitals, including the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, the green panel noted.

The tribunal, noting CPCB's reply, said there was no monitoring of certain air pollutants, including ammonia, lead, nickel arsenic and Benzo(a)pyrene.