Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Delhi’s battle with poisonous air has once again intensified. As the capital’s skies turned gray over the weekend, thousands of residents gathered at India Gate on Sunday to urge authorities to take decisive action. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality index (AQI) near India Gate at 7 am on Monday was 312, which puts the city in the “severe” zone. However, private monitors used by citizens recorded AQI readings as high as 520, increasing public distrust in official data.
The LocalCircles survey released on Monday (November 10) reflects this growing sense of despair and helplessness. The survey, conducted in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad, received more than 53,000 responses. The findings are clear: Seven in ten residents say they have “no or very little confidence” in the ability of government agencies and local administrations to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – a set of emergency measures to curb pollution if AQI levels rise.
Two-thirds of respondents believe that timely implementation of GRAP is being delayed due to faulty and under-reported AQI data. Nearly eight in ten citizens say their local administration is unconcerned that families are breathing toxic air, while a similar proportion confirm that at least one member of their household has fallen ill in the past four weeks due to pollution. Worryingly, four out of ten households reported four or more people falling ill.
Hospitals are overwhelmed by the rise in respiratory diseases
Doctors across Delhi are seeing a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses as the city grapples with hazardous air. Dr. Medha, pediatrician at Madhukar Rainbow Children Hospital, said there has been a 20-30% increase in outpatient visits compared to last month. “We are seeing a clear increase in both old and new patients with cough, breathlessness and chest tightness. In the inpatient department, admissions are being made for severe asthma, COPD exacerbations and pneumonia.
It has increased from about eight cases last month to 10-12 now,” she said.
According to him, the change between seasons – from monsoon to winter – has worsened the crisis. “Temperature fluctuations, stagnant air and increased humidity cause inflammation in the airways. Combined with high pollution, these factors aggravate existing respiratory diseases and lead to new infections,” he said. The mixture of cold air and pollutants thickens mucus and narrows the airways, making breathing extremely difficult, especially for children and the elderly, he said.
“Pollution at very serious level”: Experts warn
Expressing these concerns, Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist and director of CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi, warned that pollution levels have reached the “very severe” category. “This is a cause for concern not only for patients with chronic diseases but also for healthy individuals,” he said.
Dr. Mittal said that fine particles and poisonous gases in the air cause irritation in the lungs, reduce immunity and cause difficulty in breathing. “In children, exposure can hamper lung development and make them prone to respiratory diseases in the long run. The elderly and people with conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes and kidney or liver disorders are particularly vulnerable. Many of them are finding it difficult to control their symptoms even with regular medication, leading to frequent hospital visits and admissions,” he said.
He also said that the current situation represents a public health emergency, as high pollution levels can worsen existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, trigger strokes and reduce overall lung function.
Citizens demand accuracy and accountability
Delhi residents say their biggest concern now is not only pollution but also the lack of transparency in government monitoring. With wide gaps between CPCB readings and citizen-run devices, many believe the official AQI data is being underestimated, leading to a delay in the implementation of GRAP Phase IV, which mandates stopping construction, closing schools and banning non-essential vehicles if the AQI exceeds 450.
“People just want accurate AQI data and rules implemented accordingly,” LocalCircles reports. “CPCB meters are showing AQI level 320 and private meter reading is 520, hence non-implementation of GRAP IV.”
Precautionary measures for citizens
While large-scale policy action is necessary to tackle Delhi’s pollution crisis, doctors urge residents to adopt practical measures to reduce exposure. “People who are more sensitive should stay indoors during early morning and late evening when pollution is at its peak,” Dr Mittal advised. “Maintain indoor air quality by avoiding incense or candles and keeping windows closed during high pollution hours. Using an N95 or N99 mask outdoors provides better protection than cloth or surgical masks.”
He said air purifiers can be effective for children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, especially in bedrooms or living spaces where they spend most of their time. “However, purifiers should be considered as supplements, not as a permanent solution,” he cautioned.
Protecting lung health amid toxic air
To keep lungs healthy this season, Dr. Mittal recommends following prescribed medications carefully, especially for people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular problems. “People should consult their doctors regularly so that treatment can be adjusted according to current risk levels,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, staying hydrated and avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. “Doing light indoor exercise like yoga and breathing exercises can help maintain lung function,” he said.
“A city gasping for both breath and faith”
The worsening air crisis in Delhi underlines the urgent need for collective, long-term solutions rather than short-term restrictions and seasonal responses. Experts emphasize that addressing the issue requires coordinated inter-state efforts, investment in clean energy, better urban planning and transparent monitoring systems.
As residents continue to cough from the smog, the message from citizens and doctors is clear – Delhi’s air pollution is no longer just an environmental issue, but a serious failure of public health and governance. Without accurate data, strict enforcement and sustained political will, the capital risks remaining a city that is literally gasping for both breath and trust.