Air pollution is a major health concern in India, and a recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlights its significant impact on the lifespan of Indians.
Air pollution shortens lifespan of Indian population
According to the report by the Centre for Science and Environment, air pollution shortened the lifespan of 43.4% of India’s population, by five years or more in 2020.
The report further reveals that the impact of air pollution is more severe in rural areas than in urban areas. In rural areas, people’s lives are on average cut short by 5 years and 2 months, which is 9 months more than the average lifespan lost by urban Indians.
The report estimates that 48.2% of the rural population, or approximately 478 million people, have had their lives shortened by five years or more due to air pollution.
In urban areas, the impact of air pollution on lifespan is slightly lower. The report estimates that 29.2% of the urban population, or approximately 113 million people, have had their lives shortened by five years or more due to air pollution.
Nonetheless, this is still a significant number, and the report highlights the urgent need for action to reduce air pollution in both rural and urban areas.
Delhi’s air pollution crisis
According to the CSE report, Delhi saw the maximum reduction in lifespan due to air pollution in the country.
The report highlights that Delhi has only urban districts and the average reduction in lifespan due to air pollution was 10 years. This indicates that air pollution is a major concern in the national capital and urgent measures need to be taken to address the issue.
In contrast, Uttar Pradesh saw the maximum reduction in lifespan in the rural population due to air pollution, with an average reduction of 8 years.
The state has a high concentration of industries and vehicular traffic, which contribute significantly to air pollution. The report underscores the need for stricter regulations and policies to curb pollution in these areas and improve public health.
Ladakh has minimum impact from air pollution
On the other hand, Ladakh saw the minimum reduction in lifespan due to air pollution, with an average reduction of only 4 months. This can be attributed to the region’s remote location, sparse population, and low levels of industrial and vehicular activity.
However, the report highlights that even small reductions in lifespan can have a significant impact on public health, and therefore efforts must be made to minimize air pollution in all regions of the country.
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