Delhi's air pollution, many residents have breathing problems

As the National Capital Region (NCR) faces alarming air pollution levels, a recent survey indicates that 69% of families report members suffering from pollution-related health issues. Symptoms include sore throats, persistent coughs, and other respiratory ailments, highlighting the urgent need for action amid deteriorating air quality.

69% of families facing health issues

On Diwali night, air quality in Delhi plunged to hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) spiking to a maximum of 999 in various locations. Over 21,000 people responded to a survey by the digital platform Local Circles, which shed light on the significant effects of air pollution on public health. The findings reveal that 62% of families have burning eyes due to increased pollution, while 46% report runny noses or congestion.

As of 7 AM on Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) recorded an AQI of 296, indicating unhealthy air quality. Anand Vihar had a very poor AQI of 380, while ITO and RK Puram recorded values of 253 and 346. IGI Airport T3 had an AQI of 342, and Dwarka Sector 8 logged 308.

Local cyclists voiced concerns, with one stating, "Air pollution makes it hard to breathe while cycling, jogging, or exercising." Another issued a warning that the ongoing air quality crisis will likely worsen in the days to come, which will only increase residents' anxiety.

On November 1, the day after Diwali, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that most areas in the capital recorded AQIs over 350, raising health concerns. Anand Vihar (395), Aya Nagar (352), Jahangirpuri (390), and Dwarka (376) reported alarming 'very poor' levels, posing serious health risks.

The Local Circles survey reveals poor public health in the NCR. Thirty-one percent of respondents reported breathing difficulties or asthma, while another 31% cited headaches. Additionally, 23% expressed anxiety or trouble concentrating, and 15% reported sleep difficulties. Notably, 31% indicated that they or their family members hadn’t experienced pollution-related health issues.

The survey’s findings highlight the severe implications of hazardous air quality on residents’ well-being, particularly those with respiratory conditions. “With many already having coughs and colds, and some suffering from asthma and bronchitis, the severe AQI levels post-Diwali are likely to exacerbate these health issues,” the report states.

Residents plan various actions to combat pollution

As air quality worsens, the survey explored how residents are preparing. Of the 10,630 respondents, 15% plan to temporarily leave the city, while 9% intend to stay indoors and consume foods to boost immunity. Another 23% will use air purifiers and indoor measures.

Despite the grave situation, some residents are taking a passive approach. About 15% plan to maintain their usual routines while wearing outdoor masks, and another 15% intend to combine outdoor activities with immunity-boosting diets. However, a significant portion seems resigned to enduring the pollution with minimal intervention.

Diwali 2024 festivities significantly impacted Delhi’s air quality, with pollution levels reaching unprecedented levels by midnight. An analysis revealed PM2.5 levels surged by 46% before Diwali. By midnight on October 31, PM2.5 peaked at 603 µg/m³, 13% higher than 2022 and 2023. These levels were nearly ten times above the safe 24-hour standard.

PM2.5 levels dropped but remain high

PM2.5 concentrations declined after the peak, but November 1 still reflected the previous night’s pollution, with levels easing to 97 µg/m³ by noon. The average PM2.5 concentration during daylight hours was 92% higher than last year’s average, underscoring the severe impact of Diwali.

As the day progressed, the air quality improved slightly, averaging around 386 µg/m³ overnight, indicating a minor reprieve from the pollution levels during the festivities. However, this relief is unlikely to last, given the prevailing meteorological conditions.

Besides firework-related pollution, traffic congestion worsened the situation. The ITO area recorded the highest nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels at 182 µg/m³, with other hotspots like JLN Stadium and Patparganj showing concerning figures. Stubble burning in surrounding states compounded the air quality crisis, with a sharp increase in farm fires coinciding with Diwali

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