Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis: Life Expectancy on the Decline

Delhi's severe air pollution has significantly reduced life expectancy for its residents, according to the Air Quality Life Index 2024 report by EPIC. The report reveals that 1.8 crore people in Delhi are projected to lose an average of 11.9 years of life expectancy compared to WHO guidelines. Adhering to national and WHO standards could greatly improve life expectancy.

Delhi's persistent air pollution is drastically reducing the life expectancy of its residents, as highlighted by the recent Air Quality Life Index 2024 report from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).

The report indicates that 1.8 crore people in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, one of the most polluted regions in the northern plains, are on track to lose an average of 11.9 years of life expectancy compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

Even against India's own national standards, residents could lose 8.5 years of life expectancy if high pollution levels persist. The report also points out that meeting the national PM2.5 standards could increase life expectancy by 8.5 years, while adhering to WHO standards could add nearly 12 years.

(With inputs from agencies.)