NEW DELHI: Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday, with parts of the city experiencing heavy smog, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
According to CPCB data, the AQI in areas like Akshardham reached 351, while Kalindi Kunj and nearby locations recorded an AQI of 323, both classified as ‘very poor.’ In Chandni Chowk, the AQI was measured at 207, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.
For the past few weeks, Delhi has been grappling with extremely high levels of air pollution, primarily attributed to stubble burning in neighboring states.
Doctors have reported a noticeable link between deteriorating air quality and a rise in respiratory illnesses. Dr. Bobby Bhalotra, vice chairman of respiratory medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, noted a surge in patients experiencing breathing issues, along with exacerbated asthma and COPD symptoms.
Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai recently emphasized the need for collaborative action from neighboring states to tackle the pollution crisis.
Doctor recommends school closures for children
Doctors report that even individuals without a history of respiratory issues are now experiencing breathing problems. Dr. Nikhil Modi, senior consultant for respiratory critical care at Apollo Hospital, highlighted that, “We have seen the air quality index (AQI). It is more than 400 and even 500 in many places.
“Due to this, our regular patients, who have asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are having exacerbations. They are having more breathing difficulty.
They land up in emergencies to take nebulizers, and some of them require admission. Apart from the regular patients, what we are seeing are those who don’t have any respiratory issues in the past, they are coming to us with runny noses, sneezing, and coughs, and they are also having increasing difficulties. So the number of cases has suddenly gone up,” Nikhil said.
Dr. Nikhil further advised that the government should consider closing schools, as children remain particularly vulnerable. He noted that authorities have closed schools in the past when pollution levels exceeded a certain threshold.