Posted By :  Admin1

New Delhi is facing another severe air pollution episode after Diwali, with doctors reporting a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses, flu cases, joint pain, and eye infections across the city. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi and NCR has slipped into the “very poor” and “severe” categories, with PM2.5 levels crossing 480 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly 100 times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe limit.

Medical experts say that hospitals are seeing nearly a 30% increase in patients complaining of cough, breathlessness, chest tightness, and throat irritation. Eye specialists have also noticed more cases of redness, burning, and watering of eyes due to prolonged exposure to toxic air.

Doctors have pointed out that the effects are not limited to the lungs alone. Many patients, especially the elderly, have reported worsening joint pain and arthritis flare-ups, believed to be triggered by the inflammation caused by pollution. Fatigue, headache, and body stiffness are also becoming increasingly common complaints.

Health professionals are urging people to stay indoors as much as possible, wear N95 masks when outside, and use air purifiers indoors. They also advise avoiding outdoor exercise, particularly during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels are highest.

Experts warn that the situation may deteriorate further in the coming days due to low wind speed and cooler temperatures, which trap pollutants near the ground. Authorities have been urged to take emergency steps to control emissions and curb further deterioration in air quality.