Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA)

Why India Needs an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency

India is facing increasing environmental degradation and its adverse impact on public health. A dedicated Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) can address these challenges by linking environmental issues directly to public health outcomes and ensuring coordinated action.

Significance of an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency

1. Integrated Approach to Environmental and Public Health:
   • Environmental factors such as air pollution, water contamination, and hazardous waste have a direct impact on health, causing diseases like asthma, cancer, and waterborne illnesses.
   • An EHRA would create policies that address both environmental protection and public health.
2. Scientific Monitoring and Research:
   • Establish a database on environmental health impacts, conducting research to identify correlations between pollutants and diseases.
3. Policy Formulation and Regulation:
   • Draft and enforce regulations to limit harmful emissions, manage waste effectively, and mitigate environmental health hazards.
4. Coordination Across Sectors:
   • Integrate efforts across multiple departments like health, environment, urban development, and industries for a unified response.
5. Awareness and Education:
   • Promote awareness about environmental health issues among the public, policymakers, and industries.
6. Economic Benefits:
   • Reduce healthcare costs by preventing diseases caused by environmental factors.
   • Improve productivity by ensuring a healthier workforce.

Challenges in Establishing an EHRA

1. Institutional Overlap:
   • Existing bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and National Green Tribunal (NGT) might resist or overlap in jurisdiction.
2. Data Gaps:
   • Insufficient and fragmented data on environmental health impacts hinder evidence-based policymaking.
3. Funding and Resources:
   • Establishing and maintaining such an agency would require significant financial and human resources.
4. Enforcement Issues:
   • Weak implementation of regulations and lack of compliance among industries could undermine effectiveness.
5. Political and Industrial Resistance:
   • Industries might oppose stricter environmental regulations, citing increased costs.
6. Public Awareness:
   • Low awareness of environmental health issues among citizens and stakeholders could slow progress.

Recent Steps Taken by India

1. Air Quality Management:
   • Establishment of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to monitor and mitigate air pollution.
2. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
   • Aims to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% by 2024 in 102 cities.
3. National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC):
   • Addresses the broader link between climate change and health through missions like the National Water Mission and National Solar Mission.
4. Environmental Clearance Guidelines:
   • Stricter protocols for industries to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
5. Jal Jeevan Mission:
   • Ensures access to clean and safe drinking water, reducing waterborne diseases.
6. Health and Climate Change Assessment:
   • Collaboration with international bodies like the WHO to understand and mitigate the health impacts of climate change.
7. Digital Tools:
   • Platforms like Parivesh streamline environmental clearances and monitoring.

Way Forward

• Institutional Framework: Clearly define the roles of the EHRA to avoid duplication with existing bodies.
• Capacity Building: Train personnel and ensure inter-sectoral coordination.
• Technology Use: Employ AI and big data for monitoring and predicting environmental health outcomes.
• Public Engagement: Involve citizens and civil society organizations in policymaking and awareness campaigns.
• International Best Practices: Learn from agencies like the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and adapt their models to Indian conditions.