82% of Delhi Residents Know Someone Suffering From Air Pollution-Related Illness, Survey Reveals

Delhi experienced severe smog on Monday, with the Air Quality Index reaching a dangerous 498.

New Delhi's residents are facing a mounting health crisis as toxic air continues to envelop the National Capital Region. A recent survey by community platform LocalCircles reveals that 82 percent of Delhi-NCR residents have at least one person in their close social circle suffering from severe health conditions attributed to prolonged exposure to air pollution.

The comprehensive survey indicates that 28 percent of respondents reported having four or more individuals among their family members, friends, neighbors, or colleagues affected by pollution-related health issues.

Health conditions reported by participants include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung damage, heart failure, strokes, and cognitive decline – all linked by respondents to sustained exposure to the region's contaminated air.

On Monday, Delhi was smothered by thick smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching an alarming 498, placing it in the upper range of the "severe" category. Out of 40 weather monitoring stations, 38 recorded "severe" air quality levels, while only two registered as "very poor." Jahangirpuri reported the worst air quality with an AQI of 498.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's classification system, an AQI between 0-50 is considered "good," 51-100 "satisfactory," 101-200 "moderate," 201-300 "poor," 301-400 "very poor," and 401-500 "severe."

Sunday saw Delhi's AQI climb to 461, marking the city's most polluted day this winter and the second-worst air quality day recorded in December. Weak winds combined with low temperatures trapped pollutants near ground level, exacerbating the situation.

The survey notes that air quality throughout large sections of Delhi-NCR has remained in the "very poor" and "severe" categories since late October. It emphasizes that fine particulate matter is causing a significant increase in respiratory and cardiac ailments, particularly affecting vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

The research also highlighted growing financial concerns, with 73 percent of respondents expressing worry about affording healthcare for themselves and family members if they continue residing in the region amid recurring pollution episodes.

While 8 percent of survey participants indicated they plan to relocate from Delhi-NCR due to the hazardous air quality, the majority reported being unable to leave because of work commitments, family responsibilities, and other constraints.

The survey gathered more than 34,000 responses from residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.

LocalCircles has announced plans to share these findings with government stakeholders, advocating for immediate action to address pollution sources and explore healthcare support measures for affected populations.