'Double Whammy' In Delhi Pollution: 75% Households Hit By Toxic Air, Viral Surge After Diwali

Delhi and its surrounding areas face a “double whammy” of toxic air and soaring viral illnesses as night temperatures dip with the approaching winter.

A recent survey has highlighted a severe public health crisis, with at least one person impacted in three out of four households.

The air quality dips in Delhi-NCR in the winter months, particularly after Diwali along with other contributing factors like wind patterns, vehicular pollution, construction dust, and farm fires from neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana.

The survey, conducted by LocalCircles, shows that Delhi-NCR residents have been severely impacted by the rise in air pollution since the middle of October. The air quality index (AQI) stands in the 400 to 500 range in most parts.

The concentration of PM 2.5 has now touched 350, a level drastically higher than the stipulated safe limit of under 35.

In addition to the physical strain imposed by the viral illnesses, high levels of air pollution since Diwali are significantly impacting the well-being of many residents. The survey indicates that three in four households have someone struggling with pollution-related symptoms such as breathing problems, sore throat, cough, burning eyes, headaches, and nasal congestion.

The situation has worsened as compared to September. LocalCircles conducted a fresh survey, receiving more than 15,000 responses from residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.

The results underscore a considerable increase in illness: the percentage of households with one or more individuals experiencing viral illnesses has surged from 56 percent to 75 percent in the last month. This jump is significant when compared to September 26, when 56 percent households reported being unwell, and even September 16, when 69 percent had indicated viral illnesses.

At present, 75 percent households surveyed have one or more individuals with flu-like symptoms. When residents were asked how many individuals in their household were suffering from symptoms like fever, runny nose, sore throat, body ache, or respiratory issues, the findings were stark.

Out of the 15,507 respondents, 33% indicated “1 individual”, 25% indicated “2-3 individuals”, and 17% indicated “4 or more individuals”. Only 25% of respondents stated “no one, thankfully”.

The viral diseases reported in the region include the spread of the H3N2 influenza virus. Symptoms often include prolonged fever, persistent cough, sore throat, and body aches, with recovery frequently taking longer than 10 days.

This spread has particularly impacted vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The survey has stressed that poor air quality combined with the spreading viral illnesses is having a detrimental effect on residents of Delhi-NCR.