Experts in Bhubaneswar discuss air pollution’s health impact with college students

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha has seen a sharpdeterioration in its air quality in recent years. Accordingto the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago's Air Quality LifeIndex (AQLI), residents of Bhubaneswar could live about 2.7 years longer ifWorld Health Organization (WHO) guidelines were met. Way back in 1998, the gainin life expectancy by meeting the same air quality standards was 1.4 years.This, along with other insightful details, was shared in a workshop organizedby the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, B.J.B AutonomousCollege and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago(EPIC-India) in Bhubaneswar on 1st October 2019.

Sharing hisinsights on the impact of air pollution on human health, Dr. Damodar Bindhani,Head, Pulmonary Medicines, CARE Hospital, “Number of hospital visits and doctorconsultation for cardiovascular diseases, asthma, cough, respiratory infection,Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has almost doubled in last decadein Bhubaneswar. The increase is due to the worsening air quality inBhubaneswar. The worst victims of these diseases are children below five yearsof age, young adults, and senior citizens. Smokers and people who have priorcardiovascular problems have become more vulnerable to aggravation of theirdisorders when they are being exposed to the bad air outside.”

Talking about howresidents can play an active role in curbing air pollution, Chinmayee Panda, acivil society member and General Secretary of Ankur Foundation that works onenvironmental protection and conservation said, “In Bhubaneswar, awarenessamong the citizens can contribute a lot to check air pollution and even usingpublic transport more often can be of great help.”

Talking at theworkshop, Sandeep Sahu, Senior Journalist added, “Tools like AQLI can helpcitizens and policymakers to make pollution a subject of popular discourse. Itshigh time that we realize that it’s the same air that we all breathe in andhence take a pragmatic approach to clean our skies.”

The workshop, meant to raise awareness about the impact of pollution on human health, was attended by more than 80 students and representatives from the civil society. All the participants were handed over a city-specific AQLI handout for increasing their awareness.

AQLI FACT SHEET FOR Bhubaneshwar