NEW DELHI: Deteriorating air quality in the national capital can translate into 3,000 additional "premature deaths" annually due to air pollution related diseases, the Centre for Science and Environment has said in a report.
The report, submitted to the Delhi government, estimated that about 55 per cent of Delhi's population is directly affected by air pollution as they live in a radius of 500 metre of "urban roads" where pollution level was found to be maximum.
"Those who live close to roads, are at a serious health risk from vehicular air pollution," the report said adding that people living close to such roads are prone to a variety of physical disorders.
The report said around one lakh deaths take place annually in Delhi and the figure can go up by 3,000 additional premature deaths annually due to air pollution related diseases.
The city government has already set up a committee to suggest measures to improve air quality in the city.
