Every winter, Delhi battles a spike in air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) often plunging into the “very severe” category. This year is no different, and the city’s residents are once again
facing dangerously polluted air. On Friday, Dec. 19, Delhi continued to struggle with hazardous air, as the AQI stood at 387 at 6 a.m., staying firmly in the “very poor” category and offering no relief from the persistent pollution spell.
Dr Alok Chopra, a cardiologist in New Delhi and the co-founder of Aashlok Hospital, has issued a warning and a practical guide to surviving Delhi’s toxic air.
Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha shared a video featuring Dr. Alok Chopra offering advice on combating Delhi’s pollution.
One of New Delhi's most well known doctor Dr. Alok Chopra is a renowned Cardiologist, co founder Ashlok Hospital, New Delhi. He gives very useful & impactful advises on AQI Survival Guide. Not to be missed! Jai Hind!@YashwantSinha@Prithvrj@MamataOfficial@AITCofficial… pic.twitter.com/FgQibrd46I
— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) December 18, 2025
In the video, Dr. Chopra said, “I have lived in Delhi for 72 years, and today I am saying something I never imagined I would say. I am ashamed of what my city has become.”
Stating that Delhi was not just his birthplace, he added, “It’s my home. It’s where I grew up, where my children grew up, where every memory of mine resides. And today, we are breathing some of the most toxic air on this planet.”
Dr. Chopra said that this crisis did not appear suddenly. “It has been building for nearly a decade. Back in 2017, many of us doctors marched at India Gate to warn about what was coming. Now, it’s here, and it shapes how we live every single day.”
He goes on to add that he’s shocked at “how normal this has become.”
“People have stopped wearing masks. Children still go to school on hazardous days. We look around and think, ‘If nobody else is doing anything, why should I?’” he said.
He emphasised the fact that this thought process is not normal, and it should never be treated as such.
“As a doctor, here is what I urge you to do right now to protect yourself during severe air pollution,” Dr. Chopra said, while recommending a multi-layered approach.
Here’s what he advised Delhi residents:
Basics: Wear an N95 mask outdoors, keep children and the elderly indoors, run air purifiers, avoid outdoor exercise, and stay hydrated.
Supplements: Combat inflammation and oxidative stress with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, curcumin, broccoli sprout extracts, B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, and CoQ10, increasing intake on high-pollution days.
Pollution-fighting foods: Incorporate lemon, turmeric, spinach, grapes, avocados, nuts, pomegranate and kiwis into your diet.
Indoor air care: Use houseplants like snake plants, spider plants, money plants, aloe vera, and rubber plants to clean the air. Ventilate your home, and use air purifiers and humidifiers as needed.
Avoid hazards indoors: Do not light candles, incense or air fresheners. Avoid smoking or vaping. Do not burn wood or trash, and limit use of aerosol sprays. Monitor the AQI daily and plan your schedule accordingly.
Dr. Chopra’s message is clear. Extreme pollution is not normal, and simple changes in daily habits can reduce health risks.
