Air Pollution Could Cost India Up to 9.5% of GDP, Report Warns
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A new report has warned that air pollution is causing serious damage to India's economy and public health. According to the study, pollution may cost the country up to 9.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). The report also links about two million deaths to poor air quality, which makes the problem one of the most urgent health issues in the country.
The report explains how these costs come from several sources. People who breathe polluted air are more likely to get heart disease, lung infections, and breathing problems. This means they miss work, spend more money on medical treatment, and may not be able to work as well over time. Because of these health problems, the country loses productivity, which affects overall economic growth. Children and older people are often the most affected, and cities with heavy traffic and industry face the highest risks.
The authors of the report say that India should treat air pollution mainly as a health problem. They recommend that governments focus on protecting public health first, for example by reducing emissions from vehicles, factories, and burning of crop waste. They also suggest better monitoring of air quality and more public awareness about protective steps, such as wearing masks on very polluted days.
The findings add to growing concern about air quality across Indian cities, many of which regularly record pollution levels above national and international safety limits. The report calls on national and local authorities to work together, and it says that early action could save many lives and reduce the long-term cost to the economy.
Sources: NDTV
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