Analyze the Role of Public Institutions in Advocating Environmental Health

By Rishabh Gautam, Meghna Thakur, Anoushka, Malavika Anil, Purva Rathore

• Introduction

Public institutions are essential in advocating for environmental health by developing policies, conducting research, and raising public awareness (Smith et al., 2020). Human well-being is significantly impacted by several external elements that affect environmental health, such as chemical exposures, climate variability, and air and water quality (Landrigan et al., 2018). Leading the charge to reduce environmental risks and advance sustainable practices are institutions, including medical centres, research centres, and local governments (Prüss-Ustün et al., 2017). Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation in India have worsened environmental problems, calling for proactive government and non-governmental measures (Kumar & Sharma, 2022). India’s commitment to enhancing environmental health through regulatory measures is demonstrated by policies such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Rules, 2024 (Chambers Practice Guides, 2024; India Law, 2024). Furthermore, international organisations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) promote sustainable health policies by including environmental issues in public health plans (UNDP, 2020; WHO, 2021). This article critically analyses how government regulations, public education campaigns, healthcare facilities, R&D organisations, and local governments influence environmental health advocacy.

• The Role of Healthcare, Research, and Development Institutions in Advocating Environmental Health

Environmental health is an important area of public welfare, which is determined by environmental factors such as pollution, global warming, and land use change. Environmental health includes all external elements that impact human health, such as chemical exposures, climate variability, and the quality of the air and water (Smith et al., 2020). Through policy lobbying, technological developments, and public awareness campaigns, healthcare and research institutes in India and worldwide play a key role in minimising environmental health concerns (Johnson & Lee, 2021). Due to the country’s fast industrialisation and urbanisation, these institutions are essential in tackling environmental health issues in India and worldwide (Kumar & Sharma, 2022).

1.1 Role of Healthcare: Environmental health is vital to public health since it engages development agencies, research organisations, and health facilities to reduce environmental health problems. By making environmental health a clear priority, hospitals can guide other industries and institutions toward reducing their environmental footprints (Brown et al., 2020). These agencies are instrumental in reducing environmental risks, advancing sustainable policies, and implementing innovative programs to protect the environment and enhance human health (Pruss-Ustun et al., 2017). The interaction between environmental science and healthcare increasingly determines the future of public health (Landrigan et al., 2018). Healthcare institutions treat diseases arising from environmental degradation and conduct a range of interventions supporting law-making that would ensure clean air and freshwater (Gibson et al., 2020). Healthcare systems are leading in fighting against environmental hazards impacting human health. Air pollution, contaminated surface and groundwater, and hazardous waste are among many things contributing to the global burden of disease (Fuller et al., 2022). Several studies examined the impact of climate change on public health at Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health. They brought attention to healthcare systems’ challenges in adopting adaptive strategies for their institutions (Patz et al., 2017). Health facilities provide direct care to people suffering from environmental health problems, such as airway diseases resulting from air pollution (Johnson & Lee, 2019). Diagnosing and treating these illnesses is how healthcare workers intervene on the health effects of environmental issues. Health institutions inform about the hazards of the environment and their preventable health risks (Williams et al., 2021). For example, public health campaigns against lead exposure have significantly reduced the chances of lead poisoning. Health institutions have forced tobacco control policy adoption, which has been successful in decreasing smoking-related illnesses (Smith et al., 2020). These efforts show that advocacy for good health is compelling.

Air pollution has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a primary environmental risk issue, with approximately seven million premature deaths yearly attributable to exposure to airborne fine particles (WHO, 2021). Ecological health challenges have been integrated into patient care and public health activities (McMichael, 2017). In India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been actively involved in studying the health impacts of environmental factors, particularly air and water pollution, and advising policy interventions to mitigate these risks (ICMR, 2021).

1.2 Role of Research & Development: Research and development are crucial to improving knowledge in the field of environmental health and interventions. Public health issues need scientific investigations to explain associations among ecological factors. Epidemiological studies have reported strong associations with respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (Dockery & Stone, 2017). Research institutes disseminate findings through academic journals and conferences, influencing policies and practices in environmental health (Roberts et al., 2021). Publications on research raise awareness and incite action by policymakers and the public. Research organisations present evidence-based recommendations, establishing direct correlations with governance policies and, finally, the laws regarding environmental protection (Bell et al., 2019). For Example, The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change releases annual reports, synthesising data on climate-related health risks, which directly organise international policy (Watts et al., 2021). That mutual interdisciplinary research combining medicine, environmental studies management, and policy analysis provides holistic solutions to complex health issues (Haines et al., 2019). A meta-analysis by Clasen et al. (2020) that investment in water purification technologies dramatically reduces morbidity, illustrating the importance of research in framing public health interventions. Various studies regarding pollution-related diseases and their socio-economic implications have been conducted in India by ICMR and the CSE (CSE, 2020). Institutes like the NIREH, Bhopal, are actively researching environmental and occupational health hazards and their implications for public health (NIREH, 2023). The understanding of environmental contaminants, like heavy metals and pesticides, in human health was contributed to by research done by the AIIMS, New Delhi (AIIMS, 2022). The IISc, Bangalore has researched air quality and its effect on respiratory diseases (IISc, 2023).

Development organisations assist in converting the results of research into helpful policy. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) integrates environmental health considerations into the sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) (UNDP, 2020). These initiatives exemplify the nexus between environmental sustainability and health. Development organisations often support initiatives aimed at a particular local need by funding projects to boost environmental health (Khan & Patel, 2022). Various development institutions seek to participate in global health initiatives addressing environmental health issues within low- and middle-income countries and advancing sustainable development (Olsen et al., 2023). These initiatives can have remarkable positive impacts on global health outcomes.

NIEHS and MoEFCC are integrating environmental health concerns into national policies. The National Green Tribunal plays an important role in the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations in India through pollution control measures (NGT 2023). Swachh Bharat also positively affected sanitation and hygiene in the country, hence reducing the disease burdens that catapulted from unfavorable environmental conditions.(MoEFCC 2021).

• Role Of Public Education And Awareness Campaign Programs 

Control of environmental elements that have the potential to impact human health is essential. Environmental education aims to raise people’s knowledge of the nation’s health.(Omowunmi Sola et al., 2014).

Public education campaigns are important to enable communities to reduce environmental harm. They encourage people to make informed decisions to save the environment and their well-being by highlighting the link between environmental issues and human health using a range of communication channels.

Campaigns for public environmental awareness aim to:

• Raise Awareness: Raising public awareness of environmental health problems and how they affect individual and community health. Maushe (Kidundo et al.,2006)
• Promote Behavioral Change: Promote sustainable habits and eco-friendly practices.(Kidundo et al.,2006)
• Encourage Community participation: Involve residents in environmental health initiatives and decision-making processes.
• Cooperate with Stakeholders: To improve the campaign’s effectiveness, collaborate with local organizations.                  

Main Components of campaigns on public education and awareness on environmental health is 

• Determine who the target audience is
• Creation of Campaign messages
• Communication methods
• Campaign activities

The public can be made more aware of environmental health through the following platforms:

Community Involvement: Addressing local ecological problems, and successful initiatives to incorporate community involvement. (Anju Singh et al.,2023)

School-Based Initiatives: Environmental health education should be incorporated into the curriculum to encourage knowledge and behavioral change early on.

Media and Digital Campaigns: Environmental health messages are spread through public service announcements, films, and social media.(Anju Singh et al.,2023)

Workshops & Training: Hands-on training programs help people acquire the skills to address environmental health issues.

Policy Advocacy: population awareness of environmental laws and regulations boosts support for participation by the general population.

Public Campaigns:- One typical governmental strategy is to start public awareness campaigns.

Subsidies and Incentives: Governments can motivate environmentally friendly practices by offering subsidies and tax cuts.

To inform people about environmental challenges and motivate them to take action, the following public education and awareness campaigns on environmental health are being launched:

In 1986, the National Environmental Consciousness Campaign (NEAC) was founded to increase environmental consciousness nationwide. The campaign financially supports schools, universities, research institutions, colleges, government offices, etc. to support awareness-raising projects. ( Sunil Mittal et al., 2018).

World Environment Day: On June 5, an occasion that inspires people to take action for the environment. Plastic Pollution Awareness: This global effort has sparked initiatives like Plastic Free July.

Programs like the Clean Yamuna Initiative, the Anti-Littering and Anti-Plastic Bag Campaign, which addresses garbage management, the campaign to avoid firecrackers during the Diwali holiday, and the prohibition on leaf burning are available in India to safeguard the environment. 

Programs and initiatives for public education and awareness seek to reduce environmental hazards and promote sustainable practices. Strategic planning, stakeholder involvement, and flexible communication can significantly boost their influence. (Mohammed Bugshan et al.,2022)

Some of its outcomes are increased knowledge, behavioural changes, and improved community engagement.

Programs for public education and awareness campaigns are crucial for enabling communities to mitigate environmental issues and for educating people about the value of environmental health and how to reduce its negative impacts. Awareness campaigns are essential to public health because of their significance in primary prevention, early treatment, and management. (Mohammed Bugshan et al.,2022) . Cooperation between governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and the media is essential to provide information about environmental danger effectively. By increasing awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering community engagement, the campaign can significantly improve public health outcomes.

• Role of Local Municipal Actions

By implementing programs for trash segregation, sustainable urban design, and public awareness campaigns, local municipalities in India are significantly contributing to the cause of environmental health. Although there has been progress, there are still issues with guaranteeing uniform application across cities.

3.1 Waste Segregation Initiatives: Numerous municipalities have put Door-to-door waste collection systems in place, encouraging the separation of dry and wet waste. According to the “Swachh Survekshan 2023 Results” (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2023), Indore, for example, has made great strides in composting and trash segregation. Comparably, Panaji implemented a 16-way segregation scheme achieved through door-to-door collection and 99% source segregation (NIUA, 2023). 100% source segregation has been achieved in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, thanks to special plastic collection days and severe penalties for noncompliance (Wikipedia, 2023). However, difficulties persist in attaining broad adherence across all municipalities despite the legislative regulations under the “Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016” (Government of India, 2016).

Improved segregation might reduce environmental dangers by 23% by reducing the amount of recyclables and compostables sent to landfills, according to a study evaluating waste management in Delhi (Science of the Total Environment, 2024). Warangal’s “Clean Cities Championship” project has resulted in a 70% household participation rate in two-bin segregation and 100% door-to-door collection (Wikipedia, 2023). To manage electronic waste responsibly, cities like Bhopal have also advanced by setting up India’s first e-waste clinic (Wikipedia, 2025).

3.2 Urban Planning for Sustainability: Another important topic of attention is sustainable urban planning. Municipalities are implementing energy-efficient building rules, encouraging public transit, and including green spaces as part of the Smart Cities Mission (Government of India, 2015). A cleaner urban environment results from the developing of plastic recycling facilities and centralised waste processing facilities in cities like Indore (Wikipedia, 2023). However, effective implementation is frequently hampered by inadequate municipal resources and the fast rate of urbanisation.

3.3 Public Awareness and Governance: Municipalities are using social media, community gatherings, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about trash management, pollution prevention, and water conservation. A report by the Indian Institute of Public Policy and Research (IISPPR, 2024) emphasizes enduring governance issues that impede significant behavioural change despite these initiatives.

Overall, even while local governments are making progress in promoting environmental health, long-term sustainability will require strong policy execution, improved resource allocation, and ongoing public involvement.

• Government policies and regulations in advocating environmental health

India is tackling environmental health issues such as pollution, waste management, and climate change through a range of policies and regulations (Chambers Practice Guides, 2024). The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, serves as the primary legal framework, enabling the government to regulate pollution and safeguard natural resources. Recent amendments, such as the 2024 updates to the Water and Air Pollution Rules, aim to streamline compliance and improve regulatory effectiveness (Mondaq, 2024).

Key national initiatives include the National Environment Policy (2006), which integrates environmental concerns into policymaking, and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which targets a 40% reduction in particulate matter levels by 2025-26 across 130 cities (International Comparative Legal Guides, 2024; Sleepy Classes, 2024). The government also prioritises clean energy through the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), which seeks to establish a 5 million metric tonnes per annum green hydrogen production capacity by 2030 (TIC Council, 2024). The MISHTI initiative, launched in 2024, also focuses on restoring mangrove ecosystems to protect coastal environments (TIC Council, 2024).

To address waste management, the government introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Rules, 2024, ensuring manufacturers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products (India Law, 2024). Climate commitments remain central to India’s environmental strategy, with the government aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070 and allocating significant funds in the 2024-25 budget for green energy and sustainability projects (TIC Council, 2024).

Despite these initiatives, India continues to face environmental challenges, particularly severe air pollution in urban areas like New Delhi. Efforts such as satellite monitoring of farm fires are being explored to mitigate this issue (Wall Street Journal, 2024). Discussions are also underway regarding the establishment of an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) to unify pollution and health data for better governance (IAS Gyan, 2024).

In conclusion, India’s environmental policies demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development. However, continuous policy evaluation and the potential establishment of dedicated regulatory bodies will be crucial in addressing ongoing environmental health concerns effectively.

• Conclusion

In summary, India has a wide range of environmental health issues that require a coordinated, multifaceted response from government agencies. Healthcare organisations are in the forefront of addressing the adverse health effects of environmental degradation, promoting clean air and water regulations, and informing the public about environmental hazards (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Research and development groups help create novel solutions, guide policy initiatives, and produce essential knowledge concerning environmental health threats (Indian Institute of Science [IISc], 2023). In order to conduct trash segregation programs, encourage sustainable urban planning, and increase public knowledge of environmental health, local municipalities are essential (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2023). Although there has been a lot of development, there are still issues with guaranteeing consistent application, obtaining sufficient funding, and bringing about broad behavioural change. To protect environmental health and advance sustainable development in India, sustained efforts to fortify policy frameworks, improve inter-sectoral collaboration, and empower people will be crucial.

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