In the heart of Delhi, the air quality has reached hazardous levels, and it’s become a daily struggle for millions of residents. Deepak Rajak, a 64-year-old man with asthma, is one of many Delhiites whose health has worsened due to the toxic air. He recently rushed to Delhi’s first-ever clinic dedicated to pollution-related illnesses, located at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, as his asthma flared up.
As Deepak waits in the clinic’s waiting room, he gasps for air. “It’s impossible to breathe. I just came by bus, and I felt like I was suffocating,” he says. His experience is not unique. Delhi’s pollution levels have become so severe that residents are struggling to breathe, while the government faces mounting pressure to tackle the growing crisis.
The Growing Pollution Crisis in Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, has long been known for its air pollution problems, but things have gotten far worse in recent years. Each winter, the pollution level spikes due to a combination of vehicle emissions, burning of crop residue, coal-fired power plants, and construction dust. During this period, toxic smog engulfs the city, turning day into night and leaving millions struggling to breathe.
In fact, Delhi currently holds the dubious title of the world’s most polluted city. As of recent reports, air quality levels have exceeded 1,750 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), a level deemed hazardous for human health. For comparison, an AQI reading above 300 is considered dangerous. The tiny particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is now more than 77 times higher than the safe levels recommended by the World Health Organization.
The situation has reached such a critical point that Delhi’s Chief Minister, Atishi, declared a “medical emergency”, with schools closing and citizens urged to stay indoors. Yet, for many people like Deepak Rajak, staying inside isn’t an option. He works a physically demanding job as a dry cleaner, and he relies on his income to feed his family.
The Impact of Toxic Air on Health
Delhi’s air pollution is a major contributor to a range of respiratory issues and chronic conditions, especially for those already suffering from health problems. Deepak’s asthma, which was once manageable, has worsened as the pollution intensifies. He struggles to get enough oxygen, with every breath feeling like a fight.
He isn’t the only one. Mohammad Ibrahim, a longtime auto driver in Delhi, says his chest feels constantly tight from inhaling the toxic air throughout the day. “When I go home and wash my hands, black stuff comes out of my nose. That never used to happen before,” Ibrahim says.
The dangers of PM2.5—tiny particles that travel deep into the lungs—are well-documented. When inhaled, these particles can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections, and cognitive impairment in children. The impact of this pollution isn’t just physical; it affects residents’ mental well-being as well, as the constant exposure creates stress and anxiety.
Dr. Amit Jindal, a specialist at the pollution clinic, confirms that the number of patients seeking treatment for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions has surged dramatically as pollution levels rise. Many patients, like Deepak and Aditya Kumar Shukla, a 64-year-old retired Air Force officer, are being repeatedly hospitalised.
Struggling to Survive: The Vicious Cycle
Many Delhi residents are caught in a vicious cycle: they are forced to work outside despite the deadly air quality because they need to earn a living. People like Deepak, Mohammad, and Aditya have no choice but to endure the harsh conditions. If they stop working, they won’t be able to feed their families or pay their rent. Even simple tasks, like traveling to the clinic, become a major health risk.
Kajal Rajak, Deepak’s daughter, describes the terrifying conditions she faces when traveling with her father. “We couldn’t even see the bus number. It was so hazy,” she says. The smog is so thick that visibility is drastically reduced, and the risk of accidents increases. Yet, for many, the only option is to endure the pollution and hope for the best.
Why Delhi’s Pollution Crisis is Getting Worse
Delhi’s pollution problems aren’t new. For more than two decades, the city has grappled with hazardous air quality, but every year, the crisis seems to grow worse. The pollution worsens during the winter months due to factors like stubble burning in neighbouring states, industrial emissions, and a lack of wind to disperse the pollution.
Despite the government’s efforts to implement temporary measures—such as closing schools, halting non-essential truck movement, and sprinkling water on the roads—experts say these actions are insufficient. Sunil Dahiya, an environmental analyst, argues that the government’s response to the pollution crisis is reactive rather than proactive.
While the National Clean Air Program was introduced in 2019 to improve air quality, many critics argue that long-term solutions are needed. Tackling pollution at its source—such as reducing emissions from transportation, power plants, and industry—is essential to improving Delhi’s air quality.
A Future Without Relief: What Needs to Be Done
The sad reality is that for residents like Deepak Rajak, there is little hope for immediate relief. Delhi’s air pollution is a long-term crisis, and it will require comprehensive action to address the root causes. This includes:
- Reducing emissions from vehicles, industries, and power plants.
- Investing in green technology and clean energy solutions.
- Implementing stricter environmental regulations to curb stubble burning and waste management.
- Promoting public transportation to reduce the number of cars on the road.
Without these systemic changes, the situation will only continue to deteriorate, leaving millions of Delhi residents exposed to life-threatening pollution. As Kajal Rajak puts it, “The government needs to do something.”
Conclusion: A City Struggling to Breathe
Delhi’s air pollution crisis is a stark reminder of the severe health risks posed by environmental degradation. For people like Deepak, Mohammad, and Aditya, the daily struggle to breathe is a constant battle. While efforts are being made to address the issue, more needs to be done to protect the health and well-being of millions living in one of the most polluted cities in the world.
In the face of unrelenting smog and toxic air, the question remains: how much longer can Delhi survive in these conditions? The time for serious action is now.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis Air Quality Index (IQAir)
- India’s National Clean Air Program Government of India
- Pollution-Related Illnesses World Health Organization
