By D N Singh
Life is very short, all we know. But if that gets reduced by a few years then that is cause for worry.
It is the invincible regime of pollution which has come as a big factor to reduce the life expectancy of Indians by an average of 8 to 9 years and a study says that, it is a high average of 11.5 years in case of people living in Delhi or NCR.
The monster of pollution is going to reduce life expectancy in all other cities also.
But do not lose your sleep:
Pandemic or no pandemic, use of masks grows to be a compelling need in the days we live in.
Studies have revealed that air pollution has become one of the major causes of untimely death. Being at the roots of many problems, pollution claims a sizable life in India thus slowly reducing the life expectancy.
Residents of Delhi are likely to lose 11.9 years of their life – if the current air pollution levels persist, reveals the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by Chicago University's Energy and Policy Institute. According to the think tank report, the National Capital Territory of Delhi is also the most polluted city in the world.
An average Indian, on the other hand, could see their life expectancy cut short by 5.3 years, if current levels of pollution persist, the AQLI 2023 report indicates.
In the following cities, life expectancy is likely to be cut short by:
· Gurugram - 11.2 years
· Faridabad - 10.8 years
· Lucknow - 9.7 years
· Kanpur - 9.7 years
· Patna - 8.7 years
· Prayagraj - 8.8 years
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the annual average PM2.5 concentration should not be higher than 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
In Delhi, it is 126.5 micrograms per cubic meters – which is 25 times the WHO limit.
This makes it all the more important to discuss and combat issues around pollution.
About the Author: DN Singh is a Bhubaneswar-based senior journalist.
DISCLAIMER: This is the personal opinion of the author. The views expressed in this write-up have nothing to do with www.prameyanews.com.
