Delhi Faces Severe Pollution Crisis as Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels

With pollution-linked health issues surging, experts call for systemic reforms to address the worsening air quality across India.

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated drastically, with AQI levels exceeding 1,750 in some areas, far above the hazardous threshold of 300.
Health clinics in Delhi report a sharp rise in patients with respiratory issues, with vulnerable populations, including outdoor workers, facing severe health risks.
India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019 to reduce particulate matter, has shown limited impact, with funds often directed toward easier fixes like road dust control rather than systemic solutions.
Experts emphasize the need for a national air quality agency with broader authority to address pollution at the regional 'airshed' level and tackle root causes like industrial emissions and transportation pollution.
Public awareness of air pollution remains low, with calls for educational campaigns and a shift in public engagement strategies to encourage proactive participation in pollution reduction efforts.