Air pollution cuts life expectancy, Delhi faces 8.2-year health loss
CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal:
The impact of air pollution in the country’s major cities is no longer limited to respiratory and lung diseases, but is also reducing people’s average life expectancy. According to Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025 data, if air pollution levels in Indian cities are brought down to the limit prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the average lifespan of Delhi residents could increase by up to 8.2 years. Kolkata could see a potential gain of 4.1 years, Hyderabad 3.2 years, Mumbai 3.1 years, Chennai 2.2 years and Bengaluru 2.1 years.
The analysis is based on pollution-related data for 2023. Under WHO guidelines, the annual average concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic metre. In most parts of India, the level is far above this limit. According to the report, the country’s average PM2.5 level was more than eight times the limit prescribed by WHO.
Delhi’s situation is particularly worrying. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, not a single day in the capital was recorded in the ‘good’ air quality category during 2024 and 2025. In 2026, up to November 4, the air was good on only one day.
On the other hand, Kolkata recorded good air quality on 97 days during 2025, while in Mumbai the number was 55 days. However, the long-term health impact of pollution remains serious in these cities as well.
According to experts, fine particles such as PM2.5 can enter the body through breathing and affect not only the lungs but also the heart and blood circulatory system. The figures underline the need to make clean air a public health priority.
Hashtags: #Health #Bhopal #AirPollution #LifeExpectancy #Delhi #AQLI #PM25 #AQLI2025 #WHO #CPCB
