Three out of every four households in the Delhi-NCR region are experiencing health problems ranging from sore throat and cough to burning eyes and headaches, following a spike in air pollution levels after Diwali, according to a recent survey conducted by the citizen engagement platform LocalCircles.
This survey, which garnered over 44,000 responses from residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, highlights the severe air quality crisis affecting the capital region in the aftermath of the festival.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates that PM2.5 levels soared to 488 micrograms per cubic meter after Diwali, marking the highest levels recorded in five years and exceeding the pre-festival average of 156.6 micrograms per cubic meter by more than threefold. This increase was observed on the night of October 20 and persisted into the early hours of October 21, shrouding the area in a thick, toxic haze for several days.
According to the LocalCircles survey findings, 42% of households reported at least one member suffering from sore throat or a persistent cough. Additionally, 25% indicated they were experiencing symptoms such as burning eyes, headaches, and disturbed sleep, while 17% reported breathing difficulties or aggravated asthma.
CPCB data also revealed that the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi was 261 (“poor”) on Saturday morning, a slight decrease from 290 the previous day. However, the Anand Vihar monitoring station reported a “severe” AQI of 415, the highest recorded among all monitoring locations.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, many residents have begun taking precautionary measures. Approximately 44% reported reducing outdoor exposure and consuming immunity-boosting foods and drinks, while nearly one-third indicated they had sought or planned to seek medical advice for pollution-related health issues.
Health experts caution that current pollution levels exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit for PM2.5 exposure by 24 times, presenting serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Despite repeated judicial directives and government advisories, the Delhi-NCR region continues to grapple with an annual smog crisis caused by firecracker usage, stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and stagnant weather patterns. In light of this ongoing public health emergency, environmental advocates are calling for urgent and sustained interventions, including stricter regulations on industrial emissions, enhanced vehicular control measures, and more effective enforcement of firecracker bans.
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