Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), produced by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) has revealed that on average air pollution cuts life expectancy of citizens in Uttar Pradesh by nearly 8.6 years relative to what they would be if particulate concentrations everywhere were at the level of 10 µg/m3 which is deemed safe by the WHO. The AQLI reveals that the residents of Lucknow could live about 9.5 years longer if the WHO guidelines were met. Way back in 1998, the gain in life expectancy by meeting the same air quality standards was 5 years. To share insights like this, the Center for Environment and Energy Development and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC-India) organized a workshop in Lucknow on 6th November 2019.

The workshop was attended by Dr. Neeraj Mishra (KGMC-Lucknow), Prof. Hirane Dhar (Giri National Institute) and Mr. Siddhant Kalhans (Business Standard) who shared their insights and understanding of the issue with an audience of more than 70 participants representing all stakeholders group working on air pollution abatement in Lucknow. All the participants were handed over a city-specific AQLI handout for increasing their awareness.