Gajendra Singh Godara
Sep 4, 2025
15
mins read
Air pollution in India is not just an environmental issue—it is a public health emergency that directly affects longevity and quality of life. The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) is a novel metric that quantifies this impact by translating particulate pollution into potential life expectancy loss. The latest AQLI 2025 report paints a stark picture: despite development gains, India’s polluted air is shortening lives by years. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has become the greatest external threat to health, worse than even malnutrition or poor sanitation.
Air pollution has emerged as India’s most severe health threat, with a new Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025 report showing that all 1.4 billion Indians live in areas exceeding the WHO’s safe PM2.5 limit and toxic air is cutting the average Indian’s life expectancy by 3.5 years.
Table of content
Developed by EPIC, UChicago: The AQLI is an index released annually by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). It was created under the leadership of economist Michael Greenstone to measure the impact of air pollution on longevity.
Measures PM2.5 impact on life expectancy: AQLI converts fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) levels into the number of years of life expectancy lost if those pollution levels persist. It is rooted in epidemiological research linking long-term PM2.5 exposure to mortality.
Global, hyper-local data: The index combines ground and satellite data to provide hyper-local pollution measurements across the world. It shows potential gains in life expectancy if areas meet cleaner air standards.
Purpose: By expressing pollution in terms of life years lost, AQLI aims to make the health cost of dirty air more tangible to policymakers and the public. It highlights the benefit of pollution control in added years of life, emphasizing why clean air policies are crucial.
Universal Unsafe Exposure:
Every person in India is breathing air with annual PM2.5 above the WHO’s guideline of 5 µg/m³. In other words, 100% of Indians live in areas with unsafe air by global health standards. Even the “cleanest” locations in India exceed the WHO limit, reflecting how pervasive the pollution problem is.
Life Expectancy Loss – 3.5 Years:
Air pollution is now cutting the average Indian’s life expectancy by 3.5 years. If India met the WHO PM2.5 standard, the average citizen would live 3-4 years longer. Toxic air robs Indians of nearly twice as many years of child and maternal malnutrition (1.6 years) and over five times the years lost due to unsafe water and poor sanitation (~0.7 year). This makes particulate pollution the top health hazard in India, exceeding other well-known risks.
Northern Plains – Worst Pollution Hotspot:
The Indo-Gangetic Plain of Northern India remains the world’s most polluted region. Rapid urbanization, industrial emissions, crop stubble burning, and geography (winter inversion, Himalayan trapping of pollutants) contribute to extreme PM2.5 levels.
The AQLI report notes about 544 million people (39% of India’s population) in this region breathe hazardous air, with annual PM2.5 often an order of magnitude above the WHO limit. Residents here face the highest health burden from bad air.
Delhi-NCR – Life Expectancy Hit the Hardest: Delhi-NCR is the worst affected metro.
According to AQLI 2025, long-term exposure to 2023 pollution levels would shorten the life of an average Delhi resident by 8.2 years (relative to if WHO clean air standards were met).
This is the largest life expectancy loss of any major city worldwide. Other north Indian states also face severe impacts: an average person in Bihar loses ~5.6 years, in Haryana ~5.3 years, and in Uttar Pradesh ~5 years due to pollution. Even by India’s own weaker national standard (40 µg/m³), Delhi’s residents would lose 4.7 years of life – underlining how toxic the air has become.
Indian Air Quality Standards Lax – and Still Breached:
India’s national annual PM2.5 limit (40 µg/m³) is eight times more lenient than the WHO guideline.
Yet, 46% of Indians live in areas that exceed even this national standard. Nearly half the population breathes air dirtier than what India’s own laws deem acceptable.
The AQLI report estimates that meeting India’s current standard everywhere would increase the national average life expectancy by about 1.5 years. In pollution hotspots, gains would be larger.
For instance, if annual PM2.5 in the Northern Plains were brought down to 40 µg/m³, it would add significant years to lives. This highlights an enforcement gap in India’s air quality management.
South Asia & Global Context:
The report places India’s crisis in a regional context. South Asia is the most polluted region on the planet.
After a slight dip in 2022, PM2.5 levels rose ~2.8% in South Asia in 2023, indicating pollution is climbing again. In the region’s most polluted countries (like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan), particulate pollution’s impact on life expectancy is nearly double that of major health issues like malnutrition, and over five times that of unsafe water and poor sanitation.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
The Government of India launched the NCAP in 2019 as a national strategy to tackle air pollution.
It initially aimed for a 20–30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024 (relative to 2017). In light of slow progress and revised WHO norms, the target was scaled up to a 40% reduction by 2026, covering 131 identified non-attainment cities (cities failing to meet national standards).
NCAP focuses on city-specific action plans, expanding air monitoring networks, controlling industrial and vehicular emissions, and awareness campaigns.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
For the Delhi-NCR region, a GRAP framework is in place to implement emergency pollution control measures based on air quality levels.
These graded steps – from banning construction and diesel gensets at “Severe” AQI to odd-even vehicle rules during smog episodes – are designed to avert acute spikes.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
In 2021, the central government set up the CAQM as a dedicated statutory body to coordinate air quality management in Delhi and adjoining states.
The CAQM has powers to enforce measures across state borders (Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, etc.), ensuring a unified approach in the NCR region which often suffers from seasonal smog.
This body oversees implementation of GRAP, stubble burning control, vehicular restrictions and other interventions in the regions.
Vehicular Emissions and Clean Fuels:
India leapfrogged to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) vehicle emission standards in 2020, skipping the intermediate BS-V step.
BS-VI fuels and engines drastically cut permissible Sulphur and NOx emissions from vehicles, bringing Indian standards on par with Europe.
Additionally, the government promotes Electric Vehicles (EVs) through schemes like FAME-II, and expanded CNG infrastructure in cities to shift away from diesel.
Transitioning public transport fleets to CNG/electric and improving urban mass transit (metro, buses) are ongoing efforts to reduce urban air pollution.
Industrial and Power Plant Regulations:
Stricter emission norms for coal-fired power plants (for SO₂, NOx, PM) have been notified, though deadlines for implementation have been extended.
The government has introduced rules for retrofitting thermal power plants with pollution control technologies (like FGD units) and promotes shifting industries to cleaner fuels (e.g., PNG instead of coal for boilers in Delhi region).
Enforcement of these norms by agencies (often through NGT’s oversight) remains critical.
Stubble Burning Mitigation:
Given that post-harvest crop burning in Punjab and Haryana contributes to Delhi’s winter smog, multiple initiatives address this: subsidizing Happy Seeders and balers for farmers to manage crop residue, promoting bio-decomposers (like PUSA decomposer spray) to degrade stubble in fields, and even exploring cash incentives for not burning.
The effectiveness has been mixed, with farm fires still prevalent each winter, indicating the need for stronger incentive mechanisms and machinery availability at scale.
Household Pollution & Others:
Schemes like UJALA (LED bulbs) and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (clean LPG for cooking) indirectly help air quality, the former reduces power demand (and thus coal burning), the latter cuts indoor smoke and rural biomass burning.
Afforestation programs (city tree plantations, urban green buffers) and dust control measures (mechanized road sweeping, water sprinkling in construction areas) are also part of local action plans to improve air quality.
Furthermore, judiciary interventions via the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have periodically led to bans (e.g., on fireworks, dirty fuel industries) – reinforcing that a multi-pronged approach is in place, though enforcement is the key challenge.
For detailed roles of the NGT in pollution control, you can refer to our blog on National Green Tribunal: NGT Act, Objectives, Composition, Judgements and Jurisdiction
Stricter Standards & Enforcement:
India may need to tighten its national air quality standards over time to move closer to WHO guidelines. In the near term, ensuring full compliance with existing norms (40 µg/m³) is paramount.
This requires empowering pollution control boards with manpower and technology, reducing the 46% vacancy rates in these agencies, and holding cities/states accountable under NCAP.
Robust legal enforcement (penalties for industrial violations, construction dust rules, etc.) must become the norm.
Comprehensive Emissions Reductions:
A coordinated strategy targeting all major pollution sources is needed:
Transport: Accelerate adoption of EVs, improve public transport quality, enforce fuel quality norms and emission checks (PUC regime) strictly. Encourage car-pooling and non-motorized transport in cities through urban planning.
Industry and Power: Implement cleaner production mandates – e.g., install scrubbers and filters in power plants and factory chimneys, shift heavily-polluting units outside city limits, promote cleaner fuels (natural gas, renewables) in industry. Timely retirement of old coal plants and scaling up solar/wind energy will cut future emissions.
Agriculture: Provide affordable and efficient alternatives to crop burning – subsidize equipment for crop residue management, develop markets for crop residue (biofuels, packaging material), and enforce state-level prohibitions on burning with support and compensation to farmers.
Urban Planning: Incorporate air quality in city design – create green belts, boost urban forestry, protect wetlands (which trap dust), and ensure adequate spacing of industrial zones away from habitation. Promote mixed-use development to reduce commute distances and vehicular use.
Regional and International Cooperation:
Since air pollution crosses borders, India should lead a South Asian regional clean-air initiative.
Neighboring countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal) share the airshed; joint measures (e.g., data sharing, early warning systems for transboundary haze, coordinated action plans under SAARC) can amplify results. International best practices (from China’s “war on pollution” or London’s smog turnaround) should be studied and adapted.
For detailed explanation on global Plastic Treaty you can refer to our blog on Global Plastic Treaty: INC-5 Talks, Plastic Pollution & India’s Position
Public Awareness & Behavioral Change:
Ultimately, citizen participation is crucial. Sustained public awareness campaigns are needed about the health impacts of pollution (linking pollution to lung/heart diseases, etc.).
Empowering communities with real-time AQI data (via apps and displays) and encouraging a shift in lifestyle (e.g., opting for cleaner commute options) will build pressure on authorities for cleaner air.
Leveraging Technology and Innovation:
Invest in R&D for pollution control – from low-cost sensors for widespread monitoring to industrial innovation (e.g., smog towers, new filtration materials).
Adopt smart technologies like AI for pollution forecasting and decision support (e.g. predictive crop-burning alerts).
Innovation in battery storage, hydrogen fuel, and biofuels will also aid the long-term transition away from polluting sources. India’s startup ecosystem and public research institutions should be incentivized to develop cutting-edge solutions for its unique pollution challenges.
Prelims
Q. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (2020)
Automobile exhaust
Tobacco smoke
Wood burning
Using varnished wooden furniture
Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (a)
Q. In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: (2022)
The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3.
In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1, 3 and 4
b) 1 and 4 only
c) 2, 3 and 4
a) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b)
Mains
Q. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards?(2021)
Q. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India?(2020)
Q.Who developed the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)?
A. The AQLI was developed by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), under the guidance of economist Michael Greenstone.
Q. What does the AQLI measure exactly?
A. AQLI measures how long-term exposure to particulate pollution (PM2.5) affects life expectancy. It translates PM2.5 levels into potential years of life lost.
Q. By how many years has India’s average life expectancy been reduced due to air pollution, according to the 2025 AQLI report?
A. About 3.5 years. The AQLI 2025 report finds that the average Indian would live 3.5 years longer if air pollution met WHO’s clean air guideline.
The AQLI 2025 report is a clarion call that air pollution is eroding the health and longevity of India’s citizens. It quantifies in stark terms that achieving clean air is not just about meeting environmental targets – it’s about saving years of human life. For a developing country like India, grappling with multiple challenges, the findings underscore that economic growth cannot come at the cost of public health. Solutions like NCAP, stricter emission standards, and green innovations show that we have both policy and technological tools at our disposal. What is needed now is stronger political will, effective implementation, and collective action.
Internal Linking Suggestions
How to Begin Your UPSC Preparation : The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers with Answers PDF - Prelims & Mains (2014-2024)
40 Most Important Supreme Court Judgements of India : Landmark Judgements UPSC
External Linking Suggestions
UPSC Official Website – Syllabus & Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau – Government Announcements: https://pib.gov.in/
NCERT Official Website – Standard Books for UPSC: https://ncert.nic.in
UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.
UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.
UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
