Greta Jimenez
Delhi, India's capital territory, is notorious for its poor air quality, which has been described as a health emergency. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has reported a surge in respiratory illnesses, including a 15-20% rise in OPD visits, due to severe air pollution. The air pollution in Delhi is caused by various factors, including stagnant air, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, crop burning, and temperature drops. The government has implemented measures to combat air pollution, such as the Commission for Air Quality Management and the Green Delhi app, but the city still experiences high levels of pollution, particularly during the winter months. The impact of the poor air quality on residents' health is significant, with pollution-related causes estimated to result in 25,000-30,000 deaths annually in Delhi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air quality | Poor to very poor |
| AQI | 161 (2025) |
| AQI (Jun 2024) | 169 |
| AQI (May 2025) | 161 |
| Pollution sources | Stagnant air, vehicle emissions, industrial activities, crop burning, temperature drop, low wind velocity |
| Health effects | Breathing difficulties, tightness in chest, coughing, wheezing, headache, buzzing in the head, aggravation of asthma and COPD symptoms |
| AIIMS OPD visits | 15-20% increase |
| Annual deaths | 25,000-30,000 |
| Action plans | CAQM, Pollution Control Team, Farming Incentives, Water Law Review, GRAP |
| Mitigation measures | Smog towers, Pusa Bio-Decomposer, air purifiers, herbal teas, limiting outdoor activities |
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What You'll Learn
- AIIMS Delhi reports a 15-20% rise in OPD visits due to respiratory illnesses
- Delhi's pollution levels spike during early winter, causing an increase in patients with acute respiratory symptoms
- Delhi's air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions, crop burning, and industrial activities
- Pollution control measures: CAQM, pollution control teams, farming incentives, and water law review
- Delhi's air pollution has severe health impacts, including breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and aggravated respiratory symptoms
AIIMS Delhi reports a 15-20% rise in OPD visits due to respiratory illnesses
Delhi's air pollution has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses, with a 15-20% increase in OPD visits at AIIMS Delhi. Stagnant air, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities are the main contributors to the city's poor air quality. As a result, there has been a sharp rise in health concerns, particularly asthma and COPD cases, with patients experiencing severe symptom escalation and requiring hospitalization. Doctors are advising residents to minimize outdoor exposure and proactively manage their respiratory conditions.
The air quality in Delhi continues to be a cause for concern, with the city witnessing a "poor" Air Quality Index (AQI) category in June 2025. This deterioration in air quality has triggered the implementation of pollution control measures under GRAP Stage 1. While the annual AQI for 2025 showed a slight improvement compared to previous years, the levels remain in the "poor" category.
To address the air pollution issue, the government has implemented several action plans. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has been formed to enforce pollution control in the NCR. A dedicated Pollution Control Team manages complaints through the "Green Delhi" app and takes necessary actions. Additionally, farming incentives, such as the MSP scheme for alternative crops, have been introduced to reduce stubble burning.
The impact of air pollution on health is evident, with AIIMS Delhi reporting a significant increase in OPD visits due to respiratory illnesses. Sensitive groups are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation. The high levels of pollution can also lead to immediate health effects, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive measures to protect one's health.
While the government and organizations are working towards mitigating air pollution, it is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions. Following the advice of doctors, minimizing outdoor exposure, and proactively managing respiratory conditions can help reduce the health risks associated with air pollution in Delhi. Additionally, individuals can contribute to the collective efforts by adopting environmentally friendly practices and supporting initiatives aimed at improving air quality.
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Delhi's pollution levels spike during early winter, causing an increase in patients with acute respiratory symptoms
Delhi's air quality deteriorates annually before winter due to farm fires, pollutants, and stubble burning in neighbouring states. The National Capital Region's (NCR) air quality is hazardous, especially for citizens with respiratory issues and other life-threatening diseases. The surge in pollution has led to a notable rise in patients with acute respiratory symptoms, with hospitalisations increasing by 10 to 15%.
Dr Rajesh Chawla, a senior consultant in respiratory diseases and sleep medicine, observed that air pollution levels are rising faster, leading to more patients with respiratory issues and exacerbations of their conditions. The demand for drugs to control asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has also increased.
Delhi's air pollution has severe health implications. Sensitive groups may experience breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and other adverse effects from long-term exposure. The air quality is monitored using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which has remained in the ''Poor' category in recent years.
To address the issue, the Delhi government has implemented measures such as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the "Green Delhi" app to manage complaints and enforce pollution control. Additionally, the Pusa Bio-Decomposer has been introduced to reduce stubble burning, and smog towers are being installed to clean the air. Despite these efforts, Delhi continues to face challenges in mitigating air pollution, and the situation is expected to worsen during the early winter months.
The impact of air pollution on respiratory health is evident in the increase in hospital visits and admissions for respiratory diseases. Studies have shown a positive correlation between air pollutants and hospital visits, with the winter and autumn seasons being the worst in terms of air quality. The high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants during these seasons contribute significantly to the respiratory health crisis in Delhi.
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Delhi's air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions, crop burning, and industrial activities
Delhi's air pollution is a public health crisis. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India commented that Delhi had become "worse than hell" due to its poor air quality. The air pollution in Delhi is caused by a combination of vehicle emissions, crop burning, and industrial activities, among other factors.
Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to Delhi's air pollution. In 2018, India's Ministry of Earth Sciences attributed almost 41% of the air pollution in Delhi to vehicular emissions. This includes emissions from cars, buses, and other vehicles. The problem has been exacerbated by court-ordered restrictions on bus services, leading to more people using private cars. Older diesel and petrol vehicles have been banned in Delhi due to the pollution they cause. Vehicle emissions contribute to the high levels of NOx, SO2, and CO in the air.
Crop burning is another major cause of Delhi's air pollution. Agricultural residue burning in states like Punjab and Haryana, coupled with north-westerly winds, affects Delhi's air quality. This practice can account for up to 45% of Delhi's pollution during the crop-burning season, which typically occurs in October. The burning of crop residues, such as stubble, releases particulate matter into the air, causing respiratory issues and other health problems. Despite government bans and interventions, crop residue burning remains widespread.
Industrial activities also play a role in Delhi's air pollution. According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, 18% of Delhi's air pollution can be attributed to industrial emissions. Power plants, particularly coal-fired plants like the Badarpur Thermal Power Station, are major sources of particulate matter pollution. Industrial point sources contribute significantly to NOx and SO2 emissions, with 52% and 90% of these emissions, respectively, coming from industrial activities.
Other factors contributing to Delhi's air pollution include wood-burning fires, cow dung combustion, construction dust, burning garbage, and illegal industrial activities. The air quality is typically at its worst from November to February, during which the air quality index has reached hazardous levels. The government has implemented various measures to combat air pollution, including shutting down power plants and construction sites, banning the entry of certain vehicles, and promoting the use of CNG buses and carpooling.
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Pollution control measures: CAQM, pollution control teams, farming incentives, and water law review
Delhi, India's capital, is home to around 30 million people, yet it only has 35 operational sewage treatment plants. This has resulted in about 80% of the water supplied to households becoming wastewater, which is polluting the city's waterways and putting residents' health at risk.
To address this issue, the Indian government announced plans in December 2021 to treat over 95% of Delhi's wastewater by the end of 2022, which is more than four times the national average. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has supported this initiative by launching a study to examine Delhi's wastewater recycling practices and how they can be improved.
The UNEP study found that the MBBR system, a modern Norwegian technology that treats water using biological processes, is the most suitable for Delhi. However, lead researcher Sangeeta Bansal noted that the "adoption of MBBR technology for large sewage treatment plants is challenging as maintenance costs are large." The study also suggested that other systems, such as SBR and ASP, could be used for larger sewage treatment plants.
In addition to assessing treatment options, the study developed an ecosystems health card to measure water quality and track the revival of selected water bodies in the city. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the efficiency of sewage treatment plants and ensure the safe and sustainable reuse of wastewater in Delhi, reducing pollution in the city's waterways.
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Delhi's air pollution has severe health impacts, including breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and aggravated respiratory symptoms
Delhi's air pollution has been described as an "incurable disease" and a "public health pandemic", with residents experiencing a range of adverse health effects. The air quality in Delhi has been recorded at levels 35 times over the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The impact of air pollution on health can be immediate and severe, particularly for sensitive groups such as children and the elderly. The most common health complaints associated with air pollution in Delhi include breathing difficulties, itching and irritation of the eyes and throat, and aggravated respiratory symptoms. In the short term, residents are advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and wear masks when going outside to mitigate these health risks.
In the long term, however, exposure to Delhi's polluted air can lead to more serious health issues. Studies have found that air pollution in Delhi is responsible for increased mortality and morbidity, with deaths occurring at a younger age compared to other countries. The high levels of particulate matter in the air, particularly PM2.5, have been linked to breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and heart and lung issues that require emergency medical attention.
The sources of air pollution in Delhi are varied and include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, stubble burning, and waste burning. To combat this complex issue, the Delhi government has implemented strict pollution control measures, such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes banning construction activities, regulating dust, and prohibiting the entry of heavy vehicles. Despite these efforts, the air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate, and more action is needed to protect the health of its residents.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Delhi is witnessing a surge in respiratory illnesses due to severe air pollution, with AIIMS Delhi reporting a 15-20% rise in OPD visits. The air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, and healthy individuals may experience breathing difficulties and throat irritation with prolonged exposure.
Stagnant air, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities are identified as major contributors to the alarming pollution levels in Delhi. Weak winds have failed to disperse the pollutants, resulting in stagnant air that worsens the city's air quality.
Air pollution in Delhi has led to a sharp rise in health concerns, with a reported increase in OPD visits at AIIMS Delhi. People may experience breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing, headaches, and buzzing in the head. Pollution is also a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
