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- By Aditya Jha
- Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi Air Pollution: The air quality of Delhi and nearby cities has worsened significantly in the past few weeks, leading to issues such as lowered visibility and breath-related problems. While responding to a query in the ongoing winter session of the parliament, the union health ministry confirmed that the number of patients with the respiratory diseases has significantly surged in the past few months. The ministry informed that six major central government hospitals in Delhi recorded 204,758 cases of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in emergency departments between 2022 and 2024. The ministry further stated that 15 per cent of these patients required hospitalization.
The health ministry stated that while there was a slight decline in emergency cases in 2024, the surge in patients indicates that the situation is concerning. The government also acknowledged that air pollution is a major factor contributing to the rise in respiratory diseases. However, it also emphasised that several other factors influence health, including diet, occupation, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing health conditions.
A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in the top-tier cities has revealed that the number of patients with respiratory problems increases with the worsening of air quality. The study included more than 33,000 patients and established a link between poor air quality and respiratory illnesses. However, the study failed to prove the air pollution was the sole reason behind these diseases.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the air quality of the national capital is not likely to improve in the upcoming days. The residents are also likely to witness a sharp drop in temperature and a cold wave, especially in the morning hours. The state health ministry has advised the residents to limit their outings and wear a mask during the outdoor activities to avoid any inconveniences.