A survey claims that every family in Delhi-NCR has at least one member affected by health issues related to pollution.
As air quality in Delhi and NCR remains "severe," a Local Circles survey reveals that every family in these regions has at least one member affected by pollution-related health issues.
As the air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) remains classified as "severe," a Local Circles survey revealed that every family in these areas has one or more members suffering from health issues related to pollution. On Wednesday, a thick layer of smog, laden with toxic pollutants, continued to engulf the national capital, with the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) recorded at 424 (severe), according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The levels of PM2.5 in Delhi's air were found to be 60 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit, which advises that the annual average PM2.5 level should not exceed 5 μg/m³.
Pollution-Related Health Issues
The Local Circles report indicates that 75% of families in Delhi-NCR have at least one member suffering from a sore throat or cough due to pollution. Additionally, 58% of families report members experiencing headaches, while 50% have individuals suffering from asthma or breathing difficulties due to the toxic air quality. The report also highlighted that in just one month, the number of families with at least one person suffering from pollution-related ailments has doubled.
How Families are Coping
Although air quality may worsen or remain stagnant in Delhi-NCR, residents are taking steps to minimize the health impacts. At least 27% of families are using air purifiers, staying indoors, and increasing their intake of immunity-boosting foods and drinks to mitigate the harmful effects of pollution. In a manner similar to how some elderly people relocate to warmer areas during winter, 16% of families are either traveling or planning to move to other locations for part or all of the month. While some families continue with their regular routines—wearing masks and taking immunity supplements—another 27% reported that they are simply enduring the pollution without taking any preventive measures.
Wealthier residents are investing in advanced air purifiers and other technologies to cope with the deteriorating air quality.
GRAP-4 in Delhi-NCR
The severe pollution levels in Delhi-NCR have led authorities to impose restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These restrictions include a ban on diesel-powered vehicles, a prohibition on trucks entering Delhi with non-essential goods, and adjustments such as online classes and work-from-home provisions for schools and offices.
Supreme Court Criticism of Delhi Government
Amid the worsening pollution, the Supreme Court recently criticized the Delhi government for the delay in implementing Stage 4 of GRAP. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih highlighted the delay despite the alarming rise in AQI levels. The court emphasized that Stage 4 measures should be triggered as soon as the AQI reaches between 300 and 400, questioning the delay in enforcement. The apex court further stated that it would not permit any reduction in preventive measures under Stage 4, even if the AQI falls below 450.
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