Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
There is no respite for the residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) as the air quality remained in the ‘severe-plus’ category, with an AQI above 400 on Thursday. Even with implementing GRAP Stage IV measures- a set of emergency actions such as ban on construction activities, entry of vehicles into Delhi- the pollution shows no signs of improvement.
The Telegraph Online spoke with several people, from kids, youths to senior citizens in the NCR about the challenges they have been facing because of this toxic air and finds that it has not only led to physical health problems but also to newer challenges, such as mental health issues, loss of business, and affecting personal savings of middle class families. All of them want the government to take further, stricter actions because, as one says, “Clean air isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic necessity, and it’s high time our leaders treated it as such.”
Ritik Jaiswal, 27, is a corporate employee from Mayur Vihar and he points out the mental health toll besides leading to a risk of vehicular accidents.
“Visibility on the roads has been severely reduced, making driving hazardous and leading to numerous accidents and traffic jams…I have been experiencing health issues such as itching eyes and difficulty breathing. I have had to stop going for morning walks and meeting friends in the evening. Now, I spend almost all my time at home, which has led to feelings of loneliness and isolation.” Jaiswal said.
Yashika Arora, 23, a student at Technia Institute from Shahdara, Delhi, talks about how this toxic air and its associated perils are leading to anxieties in her.
“As a student, it’s deeply affecting me. My college cancelled outdoor sports, and even walking to the bus stop leaves me feeling breathless. I’ve developed a persistent cough, and my focus during studies has decreased because of headaches and fatigue. This constant exposure to polluted air is also affecting my mental health. I feel anxious about my upcoming exams, and the idea of living in an environment where clean air feels like a privilege is terrifying.” Arora said. “Colleges also need government-funded air purification systems to create safe learning environments for students. We need immediate, measurable actions to prevent long-term health issues for young people like me.”
With most schools adapting to online classes because of the pollution, it is having an emotional impact on kids, says Trishti Nagpal, an 8-year-old girl from Jiva Public School, who lives in New Gandhi Colony, Old Faridabad.
“I have to get up early for online classes with no fun. I miss the fun of going to school with my friends,” said Trishti.
Pooja Chhabra, a 47-year-old homemaker, who lives in Kanhaiya Nagar, Delhi points out how working inside the kitchen with closed windows is suffocating her, but maybe still better than the situation outside. Also, it is affecting household finances.
“The air feels so heavy that even breathing indoors isn’t comfortable anymore. As a homemaker, I spend most of my time at home, but I still suffer from itchy eyes and throat irritation. My husband and children are no better—they come back coughing every evening. Cooking with closed windows feels suffocating, but opening them lets in the toxic air.” Chhabra said. “I’ve had to buy expensive air purifiers and masks, but not everyone can afford this. Simple things like taking my child to school or buying groceries feel like daunting tasks now. I think the government should prioritise banning older, polluting vehicles and controlling construction dust, which is rampant in our area. Affordable health checkups for families and subsidies on air-purifying equipment could also make a huge difference. Clean air isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic necessity, and it’s high time our leaders treated it as such.”
Soumyashree Mishra, 26, a homemaker from East Azad Nagar, Delhi says how staying confined to her home has reduced her thinking capacity and impacted her attitude towards work.
“I have a persistent cough, I’ve stopped opening windows, and it appears like the air purifiers installed in my home aren’t enough anymore. I keep having burning sensation in my eyes, painful throat, headaches most of the time in the day and even feel a decline in overall energy levels to do my basic household chores. The poor levels of pollution even impact my duties where I feel a lack of focus, reduced overall thinking capacity, frustrated moods and lethargic attitude towards work.” Mishra said. “The government should immediately take strong steps where they should impose heavy fines on garbage burning. The vehicles that are emitting smoke above permitted levels should be seized, especially those who are having fake PUC (Pollution Under Control certificate) with them. They should make healthcare facilities for respiratory issues increased in the Government Hospitals.”
Sidhharrth S Kumar, 35, and a small business owner stays in sector 103, Gurgaon. The high AQI levels have dented his business and now he fears about the health of his daughter.
“The current alarming level of AQI is a two way sword. Professionally, since people prefer to stay indoors, all offline services are almost closed. As a small business owner the operating costs remain the same.” Kumar said. “Personally, being a parent to a little girl aged 3 years, the current AQI is quite detrimental for her health and wellbeing and I am quite worried about her future as well.”
SK Sharma, a 65 year old businessman from Badkhal, Haryana says his health is taking a toll and regrets that he has to see such a day.
“The pollution makes me cough, and long commutes through smog-covered roads make me crave clean air and a peaceful breath. It’s not the life I’ve worked hard for. The city’s pollution is suffocating its people making it hard to live without masks.” said SK Sharma.
Rahul Ranjan, 29, an entrepreneur and director of Mrig Sight Media from Mayur Vihar phase 1 points out how the pollution is harming the business and the economy.
“Severe air pollution is compromising both physical well-being and operational efficiency. Respiratory issues and increased healthcare costs diminish personal well-being, while the reduced efficiency in the workforce impact productivity. Persistent smog disrupts transportation and logistics, delaying supply chains and customer deliveries, and driving up operational costs due to indoor air purification expenses. Postponed client meetings due to environmental concerns damage the region’s reputation. The effect of these challenges, combined with the mental strain of managing health risks and business disruptions, underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to safeguard the business ecosystem.” Ranjan said.
Ambika Saxena, 38, director, Bayside Corporations who works in Noida’s sector 63. She claims the air pollution has led to a loss of productivity in her company and wants the government to take long term measures to check the problem.
“My employees frequently suffer from respiratory issues and other health challenges, leading to higher absenteeism and lower productivity.” Saxena said. “A critical area requiring urgent attention is stubble burning, which contributes to seasonal smog. The government must enhance subsidies for eco-friendly alternatives such as happy seeders and bio-decomposers while running widespread awareness campaigns to educate farmers about sustainable practices.”
Aakriti Soni is a working professional, who stays in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad. She has been struggling with coughing issues and skin problems since the situation worsened.
“It’s a nightmare to commute to Delhi every day. I struggle every day with a painful throat, persistent coughing that won’t go away, and persistent skin irritation. The air bothers my eyes the whole way, and it feels risky to drive through the smog with nearly no visibility. My elderly parents and kids are also having breathing issues that no amount of medication appears to be able to resolve.” Soni said. “The government must implement stricter regulations on industry emissions, provide practical substitutes for stubble burning, and manage traffic. A comprehensive urban afforestation campaign is also necessary. Tree planting is more than just a symbolic act. They are essential for breathing in nature and lowering particle pollution.”
Malik Shafkat, 25, is a student of Amity University. He has been suffering from persistent headaches as he has to step outside and walk to his classes.
“Walking to class seems oppressive, and I’ve developed persistent headaches and exhaustion. This reoccurring situation requires quick government intervention. I believe that stricter pollution standards, improved management of construction activities, and incentives for using public transportation can give relief. Long-term activities, such as reforestation and renewable energy promotion, are also crucial.” Shafkat said.
Sayesha Arora, 29, is a corporate employee from Kirti Nagar.
“I am living with a diverse set of family members ranging from a 3-year-old niece to a 60+ year-old father. Despite spending a third of my quarterly salary on air purifiers, the AQI in my home has stayed over 400, four times the safe limit.
Our diesel SUV, once essential, now sits in the garage due to GRAP IV. I believe the government should bring urgent solutions like subsidies for cleaner fuel, sustainable alternatives for stubble burning, and stricter enforcement of air quality norms. The health and future of millions cannot remain on hold.” said Arora.
Dr PN Arora, 60, is a MD who lives in Golf Course Road, Delhi
“High levels of PM2.5 and PM10 particles, which are up to 20 times higher than permissible limits, have a lasting impact on the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases by up to 40%. For individuals already suffering from conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the effects are even more alarming. Studies show that air pollution can trigger acute exacerbations in nearly 70% of COPD patients, leading to severe breathing difficulties and hospitalizations. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with a 20-30% higher likelihood of developing respiratory infections during periods of intense pollution.” Dr Arora said.
“Simple measures like consuming hot water frequently to soothe the throat, wearing N95 masks to filter out harmful particles, and using air purifiers at home can significantly reduce exposure. Additionally, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours and maintaining proper ventilation indoors are essential for safeguarding health. These small but consistent efforts can help protect against the long-term damage caused by toxic air.” adds Dr Arora.
