India is the world’s second most polluted country. The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) finds that air pollution shortens average Indian life expectancy by 5 years, relative to what it would be if the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) of 5 µg/m3 was met. Some areas of India fare much worse than average, with air pollution shortening lives by almost 10 years in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the most polluted city in the world.

Through outreach and engagement with Indian citizens and policymakers, AQLI data has shaped and impacted the conversation on air pollution in India through various outputs, including:

• In 2019 and 2020, Indian Members of Parliament repeatedly used the AQLI to justify changes to the Indian Air Act, forming a clean air coalition at an AQLI awareness event.
• Between June 2022 and March 2023, AQLI data was cited in Indian media almost 200 times in 10 languages, and across more than 15 Indian states.
• AQLI was featured in a documentary film that explored the health impacts of air pollution.
• AQLI data was cited in India’s State of Environment report.
• AQLI is included in educational kits for students in hundreds of Indian schools.

Learn more about AQLI’s engagement in India to enhance understanding around air pollution’s impact on human health below.