Delhi’s air quality crosses dangerous levels, affecting residents’ health

New Delhi: Delhi’s air pollution has hit the headlines globally as the national capital’s air quality plunges with every passing day, creating an unhealthy atmosphere in the city. Residents of Anand Vihar have been experiencing several health issues; it is one of the most polluted areas of Delhi. The Air Quality Index (AQI) here often reached the’severe’ category. Delhi’s overall AQI was 389 on Friday morning. However, Anand Vihar’s AQI touched 419, making it difficult for the people to live.

Zaved Ali, an auto-rickshaw driver in Anand Vihar, said, “My eyes are constantly irritated and often turn red, causing blurred vision. It makes driving very difficult and unsafe.” Supriya Yadav, a mother of two, reported health problems in her family: “My child has been dealing with recurring stomach issues. I’ve consulted many doctors, but the medicines don’t seem to help.” She also mentioned the poor water quality in the area.

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For 70-year-old Nirmal Singh, the pollution has worsened his breathing problems, affecting his overall health. “I’ve lived here all my life, but pollution has gotten much worse over the last ten years. The air is thick, and it’s hard to breathe, even in the early morning or late evening,” he said.

With the air quality worsening, the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Pulmonology Department at New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is experiencing a rise in patients suffering from respiratory issues.

Doctors said that it is a tough time for the patients who have respiratory problems. Overall, 15 to 20 percent increase in the number of patients who have come with worsening respiratory problems.