Toxic air, failing lungs: Delhi facing severe health crisis

Spike in respiratory cases; protesters rally for Delhi's right to breathe

- BY STEPHEN N. R.

Delhi-NCR is facing one of its worst pollution spells of the season, with doctors warning of a severe public health crisis and citizens taking to the streets, demanding urgent government action.

Hospitals across the capital region are reporting a surge in respiratory and cardiac cases as the Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to hover between "very poor" and "severe."

At 8am yesterday, the AQI stood at 345, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), while several parts of Delhi recorded readings well above 400 — levels considered hazardous.

Hospitals overwhelmed

Dr Arvind Kumar, Thoracic Surgeon and Lung Health Specialist at Medanta Hospital, said hospitals are overwhelmed with pollution-related illnesses.