65% households of Delhi NCR already have 1 or more individuals who have started experiencing pollution related ailments

65% households of Delhi have 1 or more individuals who have started experiencing pollution related ailments

This clearly shows that 65% households of Delhi have 1 or more individuals who have started experiencing pollution related ailments. The consolidated numbers show that 47% people are facing cold, cough or sore throat issues, 26% are witnessing burning eyes while 30% are facing breathing difficulties.

Pollution related ailments that 1 or more individuals in Delhi households are experiencing already

Many doctors and hospitals in the city have also started reporting higher number of cases of patients with breathing difficulties. People with pre-existing respiratory or pulmonary conditions, when exposed to poor air quality are more likely to develop complications that could make them more vulnerable to infectious diseases like Coronavirus.

In the next question, citizens were asked that with Delhi NCR AQIs now in the 250-350 range and expected to go up by 3 times in next 3-4 weeks, what best describes what they and their family are doing to get better prepared to handle this. In response, 6% said they are planning to travel out for some or most of this period, 21% said they will stay indoors, increase intake of immunity foods/drinks and bear it, 12% said they will stay indoors, increase intake of immunity foods/drinks, use air purifiers, while 24% said they will carry on routine activity and wear mask when outdoors. 25% said they will carry on routine activity and wear mask when outdoors, increase intake of immunity foods/drinks, while 9% said they will not do any of the above and just live with it.

Only 12% citizens of Delhi NCR will use air purifiers to reduce impact of pollution; a large majority will just live with it, increase intake of immunity foods and drinks

The results of this survey show that only 12% citizens of Delhi NCR will use air purifiers to reduce the impact of pollution; a large majority will just live with it and increase the intake of immunity foods and drinks. Increasing intake of warm fluids, adding black pepper, turmeric and other spices or ayurvedic remedies is something that many people do during this time of the year.

This year, the Delhi government has also launched an anti-air pollution campaign called “Yuddh Pradushan Ke Viruddh' under the direct leadership of Chief Minister and Environment Minister. The Central Government in its list of initiatives in last 6 years to reduce Delhi NCR pollution counts construction of Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways, introduction of BS-VI vehicles, shutdown of Badarpur plant and providing stubble cutting machines worth INR 1400 crores to Punjab farmers.

When citizens of Delhi NCR were asked about what they think of the initiatives undertaken by the Central and State Governments on the issue of pollution in the last 12 months, only 4% said they have done a lot of work and this year should be significantly better. 7% said they have done a lot of work and this year should be somewhat better, 11% said they have done a few things and this year should be somewhat better, 11% said they have done a few things but not enough for this year to be any better, 18% said they have done a few things but nothing of significance; however this year will be better due to COVID, and 42% said they have literally done nothing and this year will likely be the same as last year.

Only 22% citizens of Delhi NCR believe that Central and State Governments have done work on pollution related issues in the last 12 months and this year should be better

This means only 22% citizens of Delhi NCR believe that the Central and State Governments of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have done work on pollution related issues in the last 12 months which will lead to lower pollution this year. Last year several measures were discussed among citizens including ensuring timely electricity and hence water supply to farmers in the different states, enabling stubble pick up service, making seeders available at community or panchayat level, etc.

The Delhi Government has also announced the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan from 15th October, which will include steps like banning of diesel generators, deployment of anti-smog guns and spraying of water at construction sites etc. Govt also said that 10-metre thick tin sheds should be installed in all construction sites to contain dust, covered with green sheets with agencies required to sprinkle water at the area and outside the area too.

The director of AIIMS has said that the rising pollution levels might have a direct effect on COVID cases, and the numbers might see a jump. Air pollution causes inflammation in the lungs and SARS-COV-2 also predominantly affects the lungs causing inflammation. With Delhi NCR daily COVID cases hovering around the 4000 mark, the residents of Delhi NCR will have to exercise extreme caution to protect themselves. The only thing they can hope from Central and State Governments is strong enforcement on the ground in the 3 states so no new farm fire starts. Whether there is the will and the capability, remains to be seen.

Survey Demographics

15,500+ responses were received from residents of Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. 68% respondents were men while 32% respondents were women. They survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform and all participants are validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.