Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis: Residents Face Life Expectancy Loss of Up to 12 Years

Delhi's persistent air pollution continues to pose a grave threat to the health of its residents, significantly reducing life expectancy, according to the latest Air Quality Life Index 2024 report. The study highlights the capital's alarming status as one of the most polluted regions in the northern plains.

Life Expectancy Decline: A Stark Reality

According to the report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the 1.8 crore people living in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi face a bleak future, with an average loss of 11.9 years in life expectancy compared to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) guidelines.

Even when measured against India's own national standards, Delhi's residents stand to lose 8.5 years of life expectancy if the current levels of pollution persist.

The Most Polluted City Globally

Delhi, India's capital and most populous city, also holds the dubious distinction of being the most polluted city globally, as highlighted in the report. The city's air quality, particularly concerning levels of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, is a major contributor to the health crisis.

The report suggests that if India were to meet its national PM2.5 standards, life expectancy for Delhi's residents could increase by 8.5 years. If the city met WHO standards, nearly 12 years could be added to the life expectancy of its residents.

India's PM2.5 Standards and Public Exposure

The annual PM2.5 standard in India is set at 40 micrograms per cubic metre, yet more than 40 per cent of the population is exposed to air that exceeds this limit. The report underscores the urgent need for stricter pollution control measures to safeguard public health.

Delhi Weather Update: Normal Temperatures Amid Rain Predictions

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in Delhi on Wednesday settled at 34 degrees Celsius, a typical reading for this time of year, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The humidity level stood at 85 per cent at 5:30 pm.

The IMD has issued a "yellow" alert for Delhi for Thursday, which denotes bad weather and the possibility of worsening conditions that could disrupt daily life. The department has predicted a cloudy sky with moderate rain for Thursday, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to hover around 34 and 23 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Between 8:30 am on August 27 and 8:30 am on August 28, Safdarjung, the city's primary weather station, recorded 9.8 mm of rainfall. Other notable rainfall recordings include 9.3 mm at Lodhi Road, 14.5 mm at Ridge, 7.4 mm at Ayanagar, and 7.7 mm at Palam, according to the IMD.