Summary
Delhi has reported over 200,000 cases of respiratory illnesses due to high pollution between 2022 and 2024. The city's air quality levels often exceed safe limits, affecting people's health, especially in winter. Hospitals have seen many patients with pollution-related health problems, and legal actions are underway to address the issue.
Key Facts
- Over 200,000 respiratory illness cases recorded in six major Delhi hospitals from 2022 to 2024.
- More than 30,000 of these patients required hospitalization.
- Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has been over 20 times the World Health Organization's recommended limits.
- The city's pollution sources include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and seasonal crop burning.
- Delhi's six major hospitals reported 67,054 cases in 2022, 69,293 in 2023, and 68,411 in 2024.
- Average AQI levels in Delhi have frequently surpassed the "severe" mark, posing health risks.
- The Delhi high court is reviewing a petition for urgent actions to reduce air pollution.
- India's top court has also expressed concern about the air quality in Delhi and nearby areas.
