The effect of the poison present in Delhi’s air is now clearly visible in the figures. The number of people dying from respiratory diseases is increasing year after year. This is not a rumor, but a bitter truth from the official document of Delhi Government. This data has been given very clearly in Chapter IV of Vital Statistics recorded in the Delhi Statistical Handbook 2025 of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics that respiratory diseases have been kept in a separate category in the breakdown of medically certified deaths and seeing the trend of the last four years, anyone’s heart can tremble.

Know when how many deaths occurred?

In 2024, 9,211 deaths were recorded due to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia or other lung-related problems. This is about 4.7% more than 8,801 in 2023, and 24% more than 7,432 in 2022. At the same time, the most shocking figure is of 2021, that year the second wave of Covid-19 created havoc in the country and respiratory deaths reached 14,442. Although there was some relief after the pandemic, but now this figure is increasing again, which clearly shows that there are still major shortcomings in Delhi’s air quality and health system.

What is the government data telling?

The data released by the office of the Chief Registrar (Births & Deaths) is based on registrations collected from MCD, NDMC and other bodies. If we look at the share of respiratory in total medically certified deaths, it is about 10% of the total 90,883 certified deaths in 2024, whereas in 2021 it was 14.6%. However, if we talk about total deaths (certified + non-certified), a total of 1,39,480 deaths were recorded in Delhi in 2024, out of which 85,391 were men, 54,051 were women and 38 were others.

Most deaths occur due to this

Now if we compare it with other reasons, the picture becomes clearer. Circulatory diseases (like heart attack, stroke) are still the biggest killer. There were 21,262 deaths due to circulatory diseases in 2024, which was 35 percent more than 15,714 in 2023. There has been a decline in infections and parasitic diseases. These diseases were the cause of 16,060 deaths in 2024, while in 2023, 20,781 people lost their lives due to these diseases. 5,960 people died due to neoplasm diseases like cancer, 5,200 due to digestive diseases and 33,190 due to other reasons. Overall, certified deaths reached 90,883 in 2024, up from 88,628 in 2023. This trend shows that infectious diseases are being controlled. At the same time, respiratory and circulatory problems are increasing and factors like pollution, lifestyle and aging population can also be behind this.

How is the situation in Delhi?

Every year during November-December in Delhi, AQI crosses 400-500 and particles like PM2.5 irritate the lungs. Health experts have been warning for a long time that chronic respiratory problems are increasing in Delhi, especially among children and the elderly. These figures on respiratory deaths are a wake-up call for policy makers. According to experts, the government should further strengthen the Pollution Control Board, increase green corridors and also upgrade respiratory units in hospitals. Otherwise, this number will keep rising further and the breath of Delhiites will become shorter and shorter.

Also read: Direct effect of lack of sunlight on bones, be careful if you see these symptoms

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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In many cities including Delhi-NCR, the impact of increasing pollution and cold has deeply hurt the health of the people. The situation is such that patients suffering from diseases like asthma, bronchitis and COPD are increasing rapidly and its direct impact is visible on the sales of medicines. According to a recently published report, the sales of respiratory medicines will cross Rs 1950 crore in December 2025, which is the highest in the last three years.

Pollution and cold increased the business of medicines

According to media reports, the sales of respiratory medicines in December 2025 were 10 percent more than December 2024 and 18 percent more than December 2023. Between October and December, when pollution is at its peak, sales recorded an increase of 14 percent compared to 2024 and 8 percent compared to 2023. Anti-asthma and COPD medicines were a major part of this increase.

Risk increases with increasing age

Talking to the team of ABP Live, Dr. Arun, Senior Consultant of Respiratory Diseases at Artemis Hospitals, says that diseases like asthma are generally seen more in people above 50 years of age. Due to high muscle strength in childhood, the situation gets controlled, but with increasing age, muscle strength decreases and problems start increasing. Due to weak immunity, the problem becomes more serious due to changing weather, cold and pollution.

The young generation is also vulnerable

According to Dr. Arun, the problem which was earlier limited to the elderly, has now started appearing in the younger generation as well. Smoking habits are increasing in both males and females. This year the level of pollution is higher and the cold is also more, due to which an increase of about 10 to 15 percent has been seen in respiratory diseases.

Dangerous combination of Delhi air and cigarette

It has been told in many researches and articles that if a person smokes one pack of cigarettes a day, then breathing the air of Delhi is equivalent to smoking 7 to 8 cigarettes. That is, if the same person breathes polluted air after smoking a packet of cigarettes, then the effect is not equal to 17 but about 70 cigarettes. After the age of 50, lung function decreases and smoking damages it at twice the rate.

Children, pregnant women and the elderly are most affected.

Like every year, this time too children, pregnant women and senior citizens have been affected the most. A new thing that has come to light this year is that the number of youth has also increased rapidly, who are reaching the hospital with respiratory problems.

Doctors’ advice for asthma patients

According to doctors, people who have asthma should stay away from cold and polluted areas for 3 to 4 months in winter. It is beneficial to go to relatively clean and warm areas like Goa, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Those who cannot go out for long periods of time are advised to wear masks regularly, exercise at home and do light physical activity in the park between 4 and 5 pm in the evening.

Negligence in diet and medicine can prove costly

According to doctors, it is very important to eat antioxidants like dry fruits, salads and drink enough water. There should not be a gap in medicines, because medical stores close early in winter and an emergency situation can arise if your health suddenly deteriorates at night or in the morning.

There is also a risk of bronchitis, heart attack and stroke

Due to pollution and cold, cases of bronchitis have increased rapidly, in which the respiratory tract gets swollen and more mucus starts forming. Due to increase in humidity in the air, the virus spreads quickly and there is a risk of infection from one person to the entire family. In this season, cases of skin problems, stroke and heart attack also increase, because physical activities reduce and the possibility of clot formation increases.

What do chemists say?

Robin Sharma, owner of the famous Empire Chemist Shop in Dwarka, says that the sales at his 25-year-old shop have increased by about 30 percent in 2025 as compared to the last two years. Small children, youth and the elderly are all involved in this. This time, there have been more cases of fever along with shortness of breath and many patients have to take medicine for 15 to 20 days.

These medicines are in highest demand

According to Robin Sharma, Actolin, Seroflo and Aerocot inhalers have been sold the most. The demand for Budacort and Dualin Respules, Montek LC and Acebrohyaline has also increased rapidly. There has been a huge increase in the consumption of not only respiratory medicines, but also antibiotics and children’s syrups.

It is dangerous to take medicine on your own

Both chemists and doctors insist that medicines are not toffee or chocolate. Taking medicine without doctor’s advice can be harmful. Even if the disease is the same, each member of the family needs different tests and medicines. There is a risk of side effects by taking the medicine for a long time, hence the time and quantity prescribed by the doctor should be followed only.

Responsibility of both government and citizens

Experts say that controlling pollution is not only the responsibility of the government but of every citizen. Planting trees at home, carpooling, reducing the use of non-essential electric appliances and getting children into the habit of planting trees can be small but effective steps. The need of the hour is to promote no-combustion zones and electric vehicles around schools and hospitals.

If your health is not good then your income is useless.

The doctors’ warning is clear that if action is not taken now, the money we are trying to earn will be spent on treatment. Maintaining hydration in winter, going to the park at the right time and regular use of mask is the biggest protection. In the end, more than medicines, only your caution and vigilance can keep you safe.

Also read: Are you sleeping more than necessary? This could be a serious problem, expert warned

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Delhi NCR Now people’s lives are at stake due to pollution. of air pollution in the national capital side effects one conducted regarding recent Delhi included in the survey-NCR Of 28 Percent of residents believed that one or more people they knew were suffering from serious health problems caused by long-term exposure to air pollution.

Delhi wrapped in fog

survey The figures have come at a time when the country’s capital is wrapped in a thick blanket of smog and poisonous air is suffocating the people. Online community platform ,localcircles, 28 percent of participants in the survey reported that they have at least four people in their family, friends, neighbors or co-workers who are potentially exposed to pollution. generated Are facing health problems.

People suffering from these diseases

According to the participants, among the health problems people they know are struggling with, asthma,’chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease‘, damage to the lungs, heart attack, stroke And cognitive fall involves And This is the result of prolonged exposure to pollution.

AQI reached 498

in the national capital on Monday AQI Reached 498, which falls in the ‘severe’ category. The air quality at 38 weather monitoring stations in Delhi was recorded in the ‘severe’ category, while at two centers it was in the ‘very poor’ category. Jahangirpuri In AQI 498 was recorded, which was the worst air quality among all the 40 centres.

AQI was this much on Sunday

in Delhi on Sunday AQI 461, the city’s most polluted day this winter and second worst in terms of air quality in December, due to moderate wind speed and low temperatures. pollutant Stay close to the surface. survey Of according to, Delhi-NCR ,National Capital Area, Of elder parts In Air quality october Of Ending From hee ,Very Bad, And ,Serious, categories In Bunny Hui Is,

Medical expenses also increased concern

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‘Will share survey with government stakeholders’

survey In Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad And Ghaziabad Of 34,000 From More people by Part took, ,localcircles, by Said That He survey Of results To official stakeholders Of with shared to do of Plan made remained Is, He said he would urge the government to take immediate steps to control sources of pollution and consider health care support measures for affected populations.

Why People Are Leaving Delhi: The air in Delhi is very bad at this time. On one hand, North India is facing the brunt of cold, while on the other hand, Delhi is also facing the brunt of pollution along with cold. In areas like Anand Vihar, Ghazipur, India Gate and Duty Path, ITO and Akshardham Temple, the blanket of fog dimmed the sunlight a bit. The worsening air quality of Delhi is now forcing people to take difficult decisions. Many families have started leaving the city and settling in cities with clean air like Bengaluru. There are many families who lived their lives in the streets of Delhi but are now forced to leave the streets of Delhi to save their lives.

people leaving delhi

The story is no longer just about one or two families. Last week, a post went viral on social media, in which a professional said that his wife left a prestigious government job to leave Delhi’s polluted air, fearing for the health of their child. This post brought out the frustration and uneasiness buried within the people regarding the unsafe air of Delhi-NCR. The air quality of the city has been stuck in the poor category for the last several weeks. Now pollution is no longer just an issue of weather, but has started affecting people’s lifestyle and future decisions.

Many people move to other places until the winter passes, while some are deciding to leave the city permanently. Many people said while talking to the media, “Maybe I had become accustomed to the air of Delhi, but my parents’ health started deteriorating every winter. After the arrival of the child, it was decided that there was no point in stopping now. Got a job in another city and we took the same house there. There is no reason to come back.” Some people are forced to stay in the city, but life has not been easy. Some people move out of the city during pollution months for work. The rest seek respite by spending a few weeks in hilly areas like Ranikhet, Mussoorie, Chail or Kasauli.

not easy for everyone

However, it is not so easy for everyone to leave the city. As one user wrote on X that not everyone can leave the place. Most of the people are tied to jobs or compulsions. The real need is for efficient administration and strong policies. It’s easy to run away, but difficult to fix the problem.

Also read: Patient Rights in Hospital: These are the rights of the patient undergoing treatment in the hospital, know about your work.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Social worker and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi has once again demanded accountability from the government regarding the poisonous air of Delhi and the continuously deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI). He said that now the time has come to fix accountability and not just make statements on pollution. For this, Bedi has appealed to the government to issue a detailed white paper, so that it can be clear who is responsible for this situation and how the solution will be found further.

Demand for white paper: ‘First find out where the mistake happened’
In a detailed post, Kiran Bedi suggested that this white paper should be prepared in two parts. The first part should tell how Delhi’s air reached the situation it is in today, what mistakes were made in the past years and which institution did not play its role properly. He wrote – ‘It should be recorded in the white paper what is the reason for the current crisis? Who and what brought us to this situation?’

In the second part of the post, Bedi said that the government should also clarify what further steps will be taken. It should have immediately implemented steps, short-term planning, long-term solutions. Along with this, he also said that the responsibility of every department, institution and citizen should be fixed. Along with running education and awareness campaigns, he also demanded strict enforcement.

A suggestion
Part One.
Can a White Paper be prepared of the current challenge of Air Pollution? Fix past accountability. What is the current crisis due to? Who and what failed us. The inheritance?
Part Two.
And where do we go from here to halt the decline? And reverse the…

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) November 30, 2025

Kiran Bedi’s pain reflected on the condition of Delhi
Earlier, Kiran Bedi had expressed her pain on social media platform X after seeing the condition of Delhi. She had said, ‘I cannot see that Delhi is suffocating. I have given my entire life to this city and it is sad to see it in this condition today. She said that she has been watching the continuously deteriorating condition of Delhi for years and now the situation has become serious.

Appeal to PM Modi
In her message, Bedi requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a virtual meeting every month with the Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of Delhi and surrounding states. He wrote – ‘If this happens under your supervision then people will be assured that the problem is being solved.’

The condition of Delhi is still bad
The AQI in Delhi has remained in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category for the last two weeks. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System, there is little hope of improvement in the situation in the coming days.

Film producer-director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, who has made films on serious subjects like ‘The Delhi Files’ and ‘The Kashmir Files’, has expressed concern over the problem of increasing pollution.

In his latest post, he described the country as a hub of all kinds of pollution and termed the countrymen as frogs in slowly boiling water.

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri posted this

Vivek Ranjan wrote on his Instagram handle, “India has become a hub of all types of pollution – air, sound and eye. Pollution has now become the wallpaper of India. We see it every day, but ignore it. We have now started living with it.”

He took the help of the famous frog example. Vivek wrote, “A frog put in cold water does not react immediately when the water is slowly heated. By the time the water becomes completely hot, the frog is so weak that it cannot even jump. We are the same frog. We did not choose to jump, we have learned to adjust. Slow poisoning seems easier to tolerate than sudden change.”

Where is Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri pointing?

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s message is clear, whether it is the poisonous air of Delhi, the hatred and obscenity spreading on social media, or the ever-increasing noise pollution, we all are slowly becoming accustomed to all this. Statistics and reports alone cannot awaken our carelessness. Instead of eliminating these problems, we are trying to adjust to them.

Let us tell you that the air quality of Delhi remains in very poor category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded AQI 338 on Saturday. According to air quality and weather agencies, no significant improvement in the pollution situation is expected in the coming week.

Delhi Pollution: There has been a slight improvement in the air quality i.e. AQI of Delhi-NCR. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has fallen below 400, after which the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has withdrawn the restrictions imposed under Group-3. Grape-3 was implemented in the capital when the pollution level had crossed the 400 mark and reached ‘very poor’ condition.

Let us tell you, under Grape-3, many strict rules are implemented to control air quality, which include things like ban on construction work, work from home, operating schools and colleges on hybrid mode. Now that Grape-3 has been removed, these rules have also been relaxed. However, this does not mean that now all kinds of activities are allowed in Delhi. CAQM has clearly said that the restrictions of Grape-1 and Grape-2 are still applicable in Delhi.

When is GRAP-3 implemented?

GRAP system has been implemented to control air quality in Delhi-NCR. Under this, restrictions from Grape-1 to Grape-3 are implemented in a phased manner. It depends on the level of pollution when which GRAP system will be implemented. As far as Grape-3 is concerned, when the pollution level in Delhi-NCR crosses 400, then Grape-3 restrictions are implemented. Group 4 is implemented when AQI crosses 450.

What happens in Grape-3?

• Under Grape-3, BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel light motor vehicles are not allowed to enter Delhi.
• There is also a ban on diesel-powered inter-state buses, All India Tourist Permit buses and tempo travelers.
• Under this, works like construction and demolition are also banned.
• Transportation of dusty materials like cement, sand and fly ash is limited.
• 50 percent work from home is implemented in government and private offices.
• Classes are conducted in hybrid mode in schools and colleges.

These restrictions will still be applicable in Delhi

Even though Grape-3 has been lifted in Delhi, it does not mean that people will be allowed to do every kind of activity. The administration has clarified that the air quality of Delhi-NCR is still bad, hence restrictions under Grap-1 and Grap-2 will still be applicable. Let us tell you which things will be banned during this period-

• There will be a complete ban on the use of coal and wood in hotels and restaurants.
• There will be complete strictness on old petrol and diesel vehicles.
• Industrial activities remain limited, many types of industries are kept closed.
• There is a ban on construction works. Collecting construction material in public places is also wrong.
• Thermal power plants running on coal are closed.
• There is a ban on burning garbage in the open, it is a legal offence.

Also read: When pollution increases in Delhi, measures from Grape-1 to Grape-4 are imposed, what does Pakistan do in such a situation?

Ozone Pollution Health Effects: A few months ago, the Central Pollution Control Board had told the National Green Tribunal that the area most affected by ground-level ozone (O₃) pollution is the National Capital Region, followed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. In the affidavit filed in the tribunal, CPCB analyzed the ozone level in 10 big areas of the country. According to the report, in 2023, 25 out of 57 air monitoring stations in NCR were more than 2 percent above the national eight-hour ozone standard. The situation was no different in Mumbai too, where 22 out of 45 stations had crossed the safe limit. NGT had taken suo motu cognizance of this matter on the basis of a news report last August, in which concern was expressed about the increasing ozone pollution in India. Let us tell you how they are harming your lungs.

What problem does this cause?

According to a PIB report, air pollution is one of the major reasons that increases respiratory diseases and their related problems. The CPCB has not conducted any specific survey on the health problems caused by exposure to ground-level ozone, but the following facts emerge regarding the effects of ozone (O₃):

• If ozone is inhaled, problems like chest pain, cough, nausea, throat irritation and congestion may occur.
• The effect of O₃ makes diseases like bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema and asthma more serious and can reduce the capacity of the lungs.
• Prolonged exposure to ozone can also cause permanent damage to the lungs.
• This makes the body more sensitive to allergens i.e. allergy causing factors.

How much damage does it cause to the lungs?

According to the US Environmental Agency (EPA), ground-level ozone directly reduces lung function. Ozone affects the inner lining of the airways when inhaled, which can cause swelling and irritation. The EPA states that ozone exposure can make it difficult to take deep breaths and that readings measuring lung capacity, such as FEV₁, have also been found to reduce immediately. This effect is more visible in people who already have asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory problems.

The EPA also states that repeated or prolonged exposure to ozone pollution can cause permanent damage to lung tissue. Due to continuous inflammation and oxidative stress, the airways become thick and over time, scarring can form in the lungs, which is not reversible. This is why ozone is considered a silent lung damager, which gradually reduces lung capacity and makes respiratory diseases more serious.

Also read: Fat Loss Tips: Only cardio and no carbs? Tamannaah Bhatia’s fitness trainer tells about her special routine which reduces fat fast.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Like every year, this time too in November, the air of many cities of North India including Delhi has become unbreathable. The level of pollutants in the air has crossed worrying levels. This is having a bad effect on the lungs and health of everyone from children to adults. In such a situation, you can take help of some devices including air purifier to protect yourself and your family from the poison dissolved in the air.

air purifier

It is becoming a necessity for every home to avoid air pollution. You can choose the air purifier according to the size of the room. It will filter out dangerous PM2.5 particles, dust, smoke and harmful gases and give you clean air to breathe. Purifiers of different companies will be available in the market. You can choose any of these according to your need and budget.

wearable air purification device

You might have seen some people wearing something like a locket around their neck. This is a small and portable device, which is worn around the neck. It removes pollution from the air around you and cleans it. If you have to stay out of the house most of the time then this can be a useful device.

anti-pollution mask

You can also use N95/N99 mask to protect yourself from poisonous air. These valves and actuates come with carbon layer. Air flow controller and replaceable filters are also available in these. This is a cheap and sustainable option to avoid air pollution.

humidifier

Apart from air pollution, protection from dry air is also important. Humidifiers can be used to control moisture in the air during winter. It will not save you from pollution, but it will definitely help you in winter by controlling the moisturizer in the air.

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