New Delhi: There is no conclusive data to establish a direct correlation of deaths exclusively due to air pollution, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday, January 29. Congress member Pramod Tiwari asked the ministry about the deaths caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease annually and whether air pollution has become a health crisis. The programme has been revised in the FY 2025-26, and the Air Quality Challenge Method (AQMC) was introduced for undertaking reform measures by urban local bodies. “To clearly communicate air quality status, the Air Quality Index was developed, presenting pollution levels and their likely health impacts through simple colour-coded categories. Based on AQI levels, the Graded Response Action Plan is implemented as an emergency mechanism, enforcing temporary measures to control severe air pollution episodes,” he added.