Delhi Faces Serious Health Risks As Air Quality Declines According To Pulmonologist

The Air Quality Index (AQI) around Akshardham in Delhi was recorded at 230 this morning, placing it in the 'Poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Near Barapullah Bridge, visuals showed the AQI at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium area reaching 252.

Pulmonologist Dr. Sharad Joshi from Ghaziabad expressed concern over the rising AQI levels to ANI, stating, "Air Quality Index (AQI) has increased significantly, driven by particulate pollutants from sources like crop burning, vehicular emissions, and fireworks. This worsens respiratory problems for individuals with COPD, asthma, or a history of tuberculosis, causing symptoms such as cough, fever, breathlessness, and chest pain." He emphasized that even people without prior respiratory issues, especially children and the elderly, face heightened risks due to weakened immunity.

Dr. Joshi noted that although the use of 'green crackers' during Diwali emits fewer pollutants, they are "not completely harmless." He also pointed out that vehicular exhaust is a consistent year-round contributor to Delhi's pollution, with conditions worsening in October and November due to stagnant weather. Delhi faces serious health risks as air quality declines.

To combat poor air quality, Dr. Joshi recommended measures such as reducing vehicle use via carpooling, maintaining vehicle emission standards, using indoor air purifiers, ensuring good kitchen ventilation, avoiding indoor pollution sources like incense, continuing prescribed medication for respiratory conditions, and considering preventive vaccines. He further advised wearing N95 or double surgical masks during outdoor activities as protection against poor air quality.

On Friday morning, the national capital's AQI remained in the 'Very Poor' category, with the CPCB recording an AQI of 367 at 8 a.m. Anand Vihar registered the highest AQI at 370, followed by Akshardham at 369, Wazirpur at 328, and Jahangirpuri at 324. Multiple areas in Delhi recorded AQI values above 200, classifying them as 'Poor.' Notable readings included 367 at Bawana, 310 at Chandni Chowk, 305 in Dwarka Sector 8, and 269 in Nehru Nagar. Other hotspots were IGI Airport (T3) at 221, Rohini at 245, Pusa at 224, and India Gate at 200.

The AQI categories are defined as follows: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately Polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500). Higher AQI values indicate poorer air quality and greater health risks from breathing the air.

Earlier in the week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for Delhi-NCR enforced Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the AQI reached 211,

marking 'Poor' air quality. The decision considered forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), both predicting continued poor air quality. Stage I GRAP activates when AQI is between 201 and 300, mandating 27 preventive actions such as deploying anti-smog guns, water sprinkling, and dust suppression during road work and maintenance projects.

In its order, the CAQM stated, "The Sub-Committee reviewed the air quality situation, IMD/IITM forecast, and observed the AQI of Delhi recorded 211 on 14.10.2025 ('Poor' Category). The forecast also indicates poor air quality will continue." The Sub-Committee therefore decided to implement all Stage-I actions across the NCR immediately.

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