GAIL (India) Limited in association with Lala Ram Saroop Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases has set up an Air Pollution Related Disease Diagnostic Center in New Delhi. In a ceremony held in New Delhi today, Shri Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited presented a cheque of Rs. 20 lakhs to Dr. S P Agarwal, Director, General Health Services, Government of India and Chairman, Tuberculosis Association of India.

Smt. Panabka Lakshmi, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India also graced the occasion. Shri M R Hingnikar Director (HR), GAIL and other senior officials of GAIL were also present at the occasion.

To combat the pollution, GAIL (India) Limited, will set up air pollution related disease diagnostic centers in 22 cities in India. The diagnostic centers will be set up in partnership with reputed Government / Trust managed hospitals / institutions which cater predominantly to the needs of common populace.These diagnostic centers will be equipped with modern diagnostic amenities related to respiratory and cardio-vascular diseases and well trained medical personnel. Air Pollution Related Disease Diagnostic Center (APRDC) is a new concept in the area of health care related to air pollution to provide diagnostic facilities and treatment to the people who are not able to afford even baseline investigations for the diagnosis. APRDC also works as R&D for development of facilities for diagnosing suspended particles, which are known to cause acute heart diseases.

The company has taken several initiatives for environment protection such as construction of gas-based crematorium, adoption of parks, use of waste plastics for road carpeting.

Growing pollution level is the bane of contemporary society. In the last couple of years, the importance of environment conservation has assumed never-before relevance. As many as 5 million deaths are caused by air pollution every year in India. It is also estimated that in India there are about 40 million asthmatic patients because of polluted air. Rapid industrial growth and streets choked with cars put Asian cities among the worst in the world. Air pollution has existed in the environment since man first used fire. However, pollution levels have reached alarming levels since the industrial revolution in the 19th century.

Delhi is the third most populated city in the world. The last couple of years have witnessed a greater devotion and awakening towards the protection of the environment. The battle for strictly applying the Euro norms and the drive to switchover to CNG as an alternative fuel are some of the examples of the endeavours made by the denizens of the capital towards creating a greater eco-friendly environment.