NEW DELHI: As winter sets in, Delhi is once again gasping for breath with the city’s air turning dangerously toxic. The national capital’s AQI has stayed above 350 for several consecutive days, with multiple locations breaching the AQI 500 mark, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The toxic haze has triggered widespread complaints of breathlessness, burning eyes, headaches and respiratory distress.
In a sharp and urgent warning, AIIMS Delhi senior pulmonologist Dr. Anant Mohan described the current air quality as “severe and life-threatening”, adding that the capital is witnessing a public health emergency that extends far beyond routine respiratory illnesses.
“Delhi’s air is deadly—major reforms needed,” says AIIMS doctor
Dr. Mohan said:
“Pollution in Delhi is now at a severe, life-threatening level. We’ve seen the same situation for nearly 10 years, and despite efforts, there is no visible improvement on the ground. Only drastic, long-term, holistic steps can bring change.”
He warned that the toxic air is not just triggering lung-related illnesses, but also contributing to:
- Heart disease and heart attacks
- Brain stroke
- Severe asthma and chronic cough
- Eye, skin and throat infections
- Risks to pregnant women
- Low birth weight and poor lung development in newborns
Patient load rising in hospitals
OPDs and emergency rooms in Delhi hospitals are seeing a clear spike in pollution-related cases.
“Many patients are requiring hospitalisation, oxygen support, even ventilators. This is no longer just a pollution spike—it is a crisis,” Dr. Mohan added.
Citizens protest as anger rises
Frustrated Delhiites have taken to the streets. After a protest at India Gate days earlier, citizens have now gathered at Jantar Mantar, demanding that the government take immediate and concrete steps to control pollution.
The pressing question remains:
Why has Delhi failed to control toxic air despite years of warnings?
Key causes behind Delhi’s air crisis
- Vehicle emissions from cars, buses and trucks
- Dust from construction sites
- Factory fumes and diesel generators
- Burning of wood and coal in low-income settlements
- Waste burning and unregulated industrial activity
AIIMS doctor issues safety advisory for citizens
Dr. Mohan recommended the following precautions:
- Wear N95 masks outdoors
- Avoid morning walks, jogging and outdoor exercise
- Keep children and elderly indoors
- Reduce exposure during peak pollution hours
- Maintain clean indoor air and avoid burning any material
“Personal precautions can help, but they are too small compared to the scale of the problem. What Delhi needs now is big, decisive action,” he stressed.
No rain expected—situation may worsen
The IMD says there is no rain predicted for at least a week, meaning the smog is likely to persist or even intensify. Experts warn that unless the government intervenes quickly, the pollution curve may see another severe spike.
