Delhi air pollution: The level of air pollution in Delhi-NCR has reached a dangerous condition. Especially micro particles like PM 2.5 are constantly affecting people’s health. According to the recent Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) released by the Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) of Chicago University, people living in Delhi are living average 8.2 years less due to pollution.

What is AQLI and its purpose?
AQLI is an index that suggests how much life expectancy affects a person’s life expectancy. This report based on data of 2023 stated that the average level of PM 2.5 in Delhi was 88.4 micrograms per cubic meter, while the standard of WHO is just 5 micrograms.

If you adopt WHO guidelines, age can increase
The report says that if the PM decreases the PM 2.5 level to 44% according to the guidelines of the district WHO of Delhi and NCR, then the average age of Delhi can increase from 4.5 to 8.2 years.

District wise estimates are as follows:
• Gautam Buddha Nagar: 7.7 years
• Ghaziabad: 7.7 years
• Gurugram: 7.1 years
• Faridabad: 6.8 years

Crisis is deepening in North India
About 54 crore people live in the plains of North India, which is about 39% of the total population of India. In these areas also, by improving air quality, the age of people can be increased by an average of 5 years.

Warning of experts
AQLI director Tanushree Ganguly said that pollution has increased rapidly in Delhi in the last five years and if strict steps are not taken soon, people here may lose many precious years of their age. He also said that if Delhi has to save the age of its citizens, then particulate matter will have to be reduced by 50%.

Why is this report important?
This report is not limited to the figures just. This is a warning that if we do not take concrete steps today, it can be too late tomorrow. Clean air is not a luxury, but a fundamental right.