Delhi, the most polluted city in the world : Report of University of Chicago

Pollution is reducing Delhi citizens’ life span by 11.9 years

New Delhi – According to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) study for 2023 by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute, the air pollution norm has been violated in Delhi. If the level of pollution is not brought down, the average life of a Delhi citizen will be reduced by eleven years and nine months. There is also the danger of a reduction in average life by eight years, and five months, as per the national guidelines on pollution.

If you live in #Delhi.. your life expectancy is reduced by 11.9 years!

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to the #AQLI report released by the University of Chicago, people’s life expectancy is reduced by 11.9 years due to pollution here. pic.twitter.com/9LnlfFqSO9

— News&Deals (@sangeeta0401) August 29, 2023

Claims of India being responsible for a 59.1% rise in pollution in the world from 2013 to 2021

The report also alleges India is responsible for the global rise in the level of pollution by 59.1% from 2013 to 2021. If the level of pollution remained the same, the average life span of 38.9% of people of India, or 52.12 crore citizens, would be reduced by eight years as per the WHO’s norms and by 4 and a half years as per the national guidelines on pollution.

67.4% of people in the country live in polluted areas

Out of the total population of India, 67.4% of people live in areas where the national air quality is more than 40 micrograms per cubic metre. WHO has set a norm of 5 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to which the higher pollution in India (PM – Particulate Matter 2.5) in microparticles reduces the average life span of people by two years and three months.

Rise in pollution levels even in Pathankot, the least polluted District

Pathankot in Punjab, which is the least polluted District, also has recorded 7% higher microparticle pollution compared to the limits set by WHO. If the level of pollution remained the same, the life span of the people of Pathankot would also reduce by three years and one month, as per this report.

Editorial Viewpoint

Pollution is a global issue. There is pollution even in developed countries, but they take stringent measures to overcome the problem. India too needs to take such measures to improve the situation.