Around 75% of families in Delhi-NCR have reported at least one member suffering from respiratory problems due to toxic air quality, according to a survey conducted by LocalCircles, a community-based platform that connects people with local issues and enables them to share information, provide feedback, and engage with others on various topics. 

The survey, which collected responses from over 21,000 residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, reveals that respiratory issues such as sore throats and persistent coughs are the most common ailments. Additionally, 58% of families reported experiencing frequent headaches, and 50% of respondents indicated that someone in their household struggles with breathing difficulties or asthma.

A thick blanket of smog, full of toxic pollutants, continued to shroud the national capital on Wednesday, with the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) recorded at 424 (severe), as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The PM2.5 pollutant levels in Delhi were 60 times more than the World Health Organisation's recommended daily limit. The global body recommends that the annual average level of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m3.

With air quality in Delhi NCR consistently categorized as 'severe,' the survey underlines the escalating public health crisis. According to the data, 27% of families have resorted to using air purifiers, a significant increase from 18% just a month earlier. However, 23% of respondents admitted to taking no preventive measures to protect themselves from the toxic air. In contrast, many families have turned to dietary changes in an attempt to strengthen their immunity.

"75% of Delhi NCR families have one or more members with sore throat, cough while 58% have headache due to rising levels of pollution; 50% have someone having breathing difficulty/asthma due to highly toxic levels of pollution. Every family have someone with one or more ailments due to the toxic air," the survey noted.

The percentage of families reporting pollution-related health issues has increased from 69% on November 1 to 75% by November 19, directly correlating with the worsening air quality, the survey revealed.

Delhi-NCR's "severe" air pollution levels have led to the implementation of restrictions under the Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Measures include banning diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles, halting construction activities, transitioning schools to online classes, and requiring 50% of government employees to work from home.

The Supreme Court recently cracked down on the Delhi government for delays in activating Stage 4 restrictions. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed concern over the delayed response despite a sharp rise in air quality index (AQI) levels. The bench questioned why Stage 4 measures were not invoked immediately once AQI crossed the 300-400 threshold, emphasizing the risks posed by such delays.

The top court also issued a stern directive, stating it would not permit any relaxation of GRAP Stage 4 measures, even if AQI levels drop below 450, underscoring the need for strict adherence to preventive actions.

Also read: 8.1 million premature deaths annually due to air pollution: WMO - First Check