Delhi AQI has hit a nerve again, soaring to 348, making breathing feel like a luxury. It’s as if the city turned on a smoke machine, but this show has real consequences. The smog is thick, the air feels heavy, and an AIIMS expert warns that this is a public health crisis no one can afford to ignore. Stay tuned, the city’s breath is at stake.
Delhi AQI Crisis Deepens as Pollution Peaks Today
Delhi’s air pollution has surged to alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 348, signalling hazardous conditions. According to monitoring stations, places like Wazirpur hit an AQI of 578, while Greater Noida’s Knowledge Park-5 recorded 553. The entire region remains cloaked in thick smog, worsening a crisis that has plagued the city for years.
The India Meteorological Department predicts continued haze for the next 48 hours, offering no immediate relief. Strict pollution-control measures like construction bans and water spraying on roads are active, but the city’s air remains dangerously toxic. Schools have shifted to hybrid classes to protect children from the worsening Delhi air pollution, reflecting the severity of the smog health risks across the capital.
AIIMS Expert Warns of Severe Health Consequences Ahead
Dr. Anant Mohan, head of pulmonary medicine at AIIMS Delhi, describes the situation as a “public health emergency.” He warns that the pollution is not only worsening respiratory issues but also impacts multiple organs. He explains, “Many people face life-threatening situations. We see more outpatient visits and emergency admissions, with some needing ventilators.”
Despite ongoing efforts, Dr. Mohan says there is little effective change on the ground. Masks and air purifiers offer “limited protection” and do not solve the problem entirely. Areas like Jahangirpuri and Chandni Chowk have recorded AQI above 400, indicating severe health risks. With hazardous air everywhere, health experts urge urgent, large-scale responses beyond current measures to confront the crisis.
Essential Protective Steps You Must Follow Immediately Now
With Delhi’s air quality dangerously low, take quick action for your health:
1. Limit outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution hours.
Try to stay indoors as much as possible, particularly early morning and late evening when pollution levels often spike. If you must step out, keep the duration short and avoid crowded roads or high-traffic areas where vehicle emissions are concentrated.
2. Always wear an N95 mask when going outside.
Simple cloth or surgical masks do not filter harmful PM2.5 particles. Use a properly fitted N95 (or equivalent) mask whenever you’re outdoors, especially if you are commuting, walking on main roads, or spending more than a few minutes outside.
3. Use air purifiers indoors and keep windows closed when they run.
If you have an air purifier, keep it on in the rooms where you spend the most time (bedroom/living room). Close windows and doors while it’s running so it can effectively reduce indoor pollution instead of constantly battling outside air.
4. Avoid strenuous exercise outdoors to reduce inhalation of toxic air.
Postpone outdoor workouts like running, cycling, or intense sports. Heavy breathing during exercise pulls more polluted air deep into your lungs. Shift workouts indoors—yoga, light stretching, or indoor cardio are safer options for now.
5. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy, lung-supporting diet.
Drink plenty of water and warm fluids to help your body flush out toxins and keep airways moist. Include fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants (like citrus fruits, amla, carrots, spinach) to support your lungs and overall immunity.
These steps provide necessary defence against the Delhi smog health risks, but long-term solutions require systemic action from authorities and citizens alike.
Delhi AQI has turned hazardous and demands urgent protective actions and systemic solutions. The AIIMS expert warns that ignoring this crisis risks grave health consequences for all. Stay safe and alert.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
