New Delhi: According to the latest Air Quality Life Index 2024 report, Delhi's persistent air pollution is significantly reducing the life expectancy of its residents, reinforcing the city's status as one of the most polluted regions in the northern plains.
A report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) reveals that the 18 million residents of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, one of the most polluted regions in the northern plains, are projected to lose an average of 11.9 years of life expectancy compared to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines
Even by India's national standards, residents are expected to lose 8.5 years of life expectancy if pollution continues.
However, the report stated that if India were to meet its national PM2.5 standards, the life expectancy of Delhi's residents could increase by 8.5 years. If the city were to achieve the World Health Organization's standards, nearly 12 years could be added to the life expectancy of Delhi's residents.
PM2.5, a fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system and triggering respiratory issues, poses a significant health risk and is a major contributor to pollution levels.
The report highlights that India's annual PM2.5 standard is set at 40 micrograms per cubic meter, yet over 40 percent of the population is exposed to air that surpasses this limit.
Meanwhile, the weather department reported that Delhi's maximum temperature on Wednesday settled at 34 degrees Celsius, which is typical for this time of year.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the humidity level in Delhi was recorded at 85 percent at 5:30 pm.
The Met department has issued a "yellow" alert for Delhi for Thursday.
A "yellow" alert indicates potentially severe weather and the possibility of worsening conditions that could disrupt daily life, according to the IMD's color-coded warnings.
The IMD has forecasted a cloudy sky with moderate rain for Thursday, with maximum temperatures around 34°C and minimum temperatures around 23°C.
According to the IMD, 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, while Lodhi Road recorded 9.3 mm, the Ridge 14.5 mm, Ayanagar 7.4 mm, and Palam 7.7 mm.
Input From Various Sources
(Rehash/Simran Sethi/MSM)
