Delhi Air Pollution: Toxic Smog Envelops Capital, Disrupting Flights and Trains as Residents Face Breathing Difficulties
A thick blanket of toxic smog shrouded Delhi and nearby cities in the National Capital Region on Thursday, causing flight delays and train disruptions. Many residents reported coughing and breathing difficulties, while hospitals witnessed a steady increase in patients with air pollution-related health issues.
The average air quality index climbed above 400, with Delhi’s Patparganj recording the highest AQI at 470 (‘severe plus’) as of 11 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app.
Bhayender, a local resident, shared that rising pollution has disrupted his daily activities. “The pollution has increased. We’re experiencing breathing issues and eye irritation. We used to go running, but now we can’t even do that,” he told ANI.
Raunak, a school student, expressed frustration over the lack of public cooperation. “I run every day, but lately, with the pollution increase, I’ve been coughing constantly, which could harm my lungs. If pollution were controlled and more CNG vehicles were used, it could help. Unfortunately, there’s no cooperation from people,” Raunak said.
Dr. Arvind Kumar, a specialist in Chest Onco Surgery and Lung Transplantation at Medanta Hospital, highlighted the serious health impact of rising air pollution. “It’s the same story, year after year,” he said, expressing frustration over what he described as the government’s ongoing indifference.
“When you breathe this air, your throat feels choked… ICUs are now filled with patients suffering from various types of pneumonia. Pediatricians’ clinics are overwhelmed with children experiencing breathing problems. In nearly every household, children and adults alike are coughing,” Dr. Kumar added.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failing to address road dust and waste management in the city. “This government is focused only on event management. Have they made any environmental plans for Delhi in the last 10 years? PM 2.5 is the biggest issue this season, largely due to dust. Delhi’s roads are damaged, and the Supreme Court has noted that 3,100 tonnes of untreated CNG waste is being released daily. They have no means to treat it,” the BJP leader told ANI while wearing a mask.
Congress leader Mumtaz Patel attributed Delhi’s pollution crisis to conflicts between the BJP-led Centre and the AAP government, which she said were creating hardships for the public.
“When the AAP came to power, they promised to tackle stubble burning if they also governed Punjab. But now, they’re only misleading people without making any real progress. When Congress governed Delhi, we had more green cover, more CNG buses, and overall, pollution levels were lower,” Patel stated, noting that she herself was coughing while walking outdoors.
