Delhi residents woke up to another day of hazardous air on Friday morning as the city's overall air quality index registered at 384, firmly in the "very poor" category. The alarming pollution levels have persisted for over two weeks, creating a public health emergency in the national capital.
Monitoring Stations Paint Grim Picture
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer app revealed the extensive reach of the pollution crisis. Twenty monitoring stations across Delhi reported air quality in the 'very poor' category, while an even more concerning eighteen stations recorded pollution levels in the 'severe' range. This widespread contamination has forced residents to adapt their daily routines and take extraordinary precautions.
Veteran Cardiologist Sounds Alarm
In a heartfelt Instagram video posted on November 27, Dr. Alok Chopra, founder-director and consultant cardiologist at Delhi's Aashlok Hospital, expressed both concern and disappointment about the city's deteriorating air quality. With four decades of medical experience and 72 years of living in Delhi, the doctor shared his personal anguish about the situation.
"I have lived in Delhi for 72 years and today I'm saying something I never imagined I would say. I am ashamed of what my city has become," Dr. Chopra stated in the emotional video. "Delhi is not just my birthplace. It's my home. It's where I grew up, where my children grew up. Where every memory of mine lives. And today we are breathing some of the most toxic air on this planet."
The cardiologist reminded viewers that he and other doctors had warned about this crisis as early as 2017 when they marched at India Gate. "We warned that this crisis was on its way. It arrived, it persisted, and now it dictates how we go about our daily lives," he added.
Six-Step Survival Strategy
Dr. Chopra outlined a comprehensive six-step approach to help Delhi residents protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution:
Step 1: Immediate Protective Measures
The doctor emphasized basic but crucial precautions: wearing N95 masks outdoors, keeping children and elderly indoors as much as possible, using air purifiers especially at night, avoiding outdoor exercise, and maintaining proper hydration.
Step 2: Targeted Supplement Regimen
To combat inflammation and oxidative stress caused by polluted air, Dr. Chopra recommended a specific supplement combination including vitamins C and E, curcumin, quercetin, beta-carotene, and sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts. He also advised B-complex vitamins, increased vitamin D intake on high pollution days, omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), and CoQ10.
Step 3: Pollution-Fighting Foods
The cardiologist highlighted several foods that naturally help the body combat pollution damage: lemon, turmeric, spinach, grapes, avocados, nuts, pomegranate, and kiwis.
Step 4: Improving Indoor Air Quality
For cleaner indoor air, Dr. Chopra suggested adding snake plants, spider plants, money plants, aloe vera, and rubber plants. He also recommended using humidifiers when appropriate and running air purifiers while ventilating homes only during periods of lower AQI.
Step 5: Indoor Activities to Avoid
The doctor specifically warned against lighting candles, incense, or air fresheners; smoking or vaping; burning wood or trash; and using aerosol sprays as these activities worsen indoor pollution.
Step 6: Regular AQI Monitoring
Finally, Dr. Chopra stressed the importance of regularly checking air quality indexes to adjust activities and precautions accordingly.
Government Response and Political Reactions
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the government is monitoring the situation daily and taking appropriate steps to curb pollution. "The steps we take today will give results in the future," CM Gupta assured, according to ANI reports.
However, the Chief Minister faced criticism when she conducted a roadshow in Shalimar Bagh ahead of MCD by-elections without wearing a mask, despite the severe pollution levels.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media platform X to question the central government's approach to the pollution crisis. "Every mother I meet tells me the same thing: her child is growing up breathing toxic air. They are exhausted, scared and angry," he wrote, directly addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gandhi emphasized the need for an immediate parliamentary debate and a strict, enforceable action plan, stating "Our children deserve clean air - not excuses and distractions."
Regulatory Measures and Restrictions
Earlier in the week, as air quality showed slight improvement from 'severe' to 'very poor' category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) decided to lift all restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). However, measures under Stage I and II remain in effect, with authorities directed to intensify actions to prevent pollution levels from rising again.
The CAQM order specifically noted that construction sites previously shut down for violations cannot resume work without separate clearance from the Commission, maintaining some level of oversight despite the relaxation of certain restrictions.
As Delhi continues to grapple with its annual pollution crisis, residents are left to implement personal protection strategies like those recommended by Dr. Chopra while awaiting more comprehensive governmental solutions to the persistent air quality emergency.
