Delhi doctors have recorded a 15% rise in respiratory illnesses as worsening air pollution grips the city with the onset of winter. The toxic smog, laden with fine particulate matter, is fuelling cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing problems — particularly among children and the elderly.
Even a week after Diwali, pollution levels remain alarmingly high. High concentrations of carbon monoxide and other toxic compounds are triggering symptoms such as throat irritation, fatigue, and headaches.
According to an analysis of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi soared to 488 micrograms per cubic metre in the past week — the highest level in five years and more than three times higher than the pre-festival average of 156.6 micrograms per cubic metre.
The survey based on over 44,000 responses from Delhi-NCR residents — including Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad — revealed that 42% of households reported at least one member suffering from sore throat or cough, while 25% cited burning eyes, headaches, or disturbed sleep. Around 17% complained of breathing difficulties or aggravated asthma.
Despite a reported 75% decline in stubble burning incidents across Punjab and Haryana due to floods and delayed harvests, air quality in Delhi and its adjoining areas remains hazardous. Several localities have recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400 — nearly 24 times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe limit for PM2.5 exposure.