Ex-AIIMS Pulmonologist Advises Leaving Delhi Amid Severe Air Pollution
An ex-AIIMS pulmonologist has advised people to leave Delhi for 6-8 weeks if possible due to worsening air pollution. The severity of air pollution, marked by high AQI levels and smog, poses significant health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Calls for immediate government action and personal precautionary measures have intensified as pollution worsens.
Delhi is experiencing worsening air pollution with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching the severe category in many areas, leading to hazardous health risks. An ex-AIIMS pulmonologist recommended that people leave the city for 6-8 weeks if feasible to avoid exposure to toxic air. The pollution is described as a 'grey shroud' over the city, caused by factors such as stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicular emissions contributing over 40% of PM2.5, industrial activities, and climatic conditions. This poor air quality particularly affects vulnerable groups including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory diseases. Prominent leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have urged immediate coordinated action by the central and Delhi governments under existing pollution control frameworks such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Despite technological advances and cloud seeding attempts, the pollution remains a persistent and complex issue requiring innovative solutions and year-round mitigation efforts. The overall situation highlights a severe public health emergency with calls for both governmental intervention and individual precautions to combat the toxic air crisis.
