According to a survey, 69% of families in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) say at least one member of their family is ill as a result of the city’s soaring pollution levels, which were said to have the highest pollutant levels in the world the day after Diwali.
In many areas of Delhi and the National Capital Region, the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 999 on Thursday night, the night of Diwali, the highest number ever recorded.
LocalCircles’ survey, which received over 21,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, revealed that 69% of families have one or more members with a sore throat or cough, 62% have at least one member experiencing a burning sensation in their eyes as a result of rising pollution levels, and 46% have someone with a running nose or congestion. Several individuals experienced multiple symptoms.
Members reported breathing difficulties or asthma at 31%, headaches at 31%, nervousness and/or problems concentrating at 23%, and difficulty sleeping at 15%. On the other hand, 31% reported that no one in their family had any problems as a result of pollution.
The most recent such poll was done on October 19, just days after GRAP (graded response action plan)-1 was implemented in Delhi, and at least one of the symptoms has significantly improved in the last two weeks. The percentage of those having a sore throat or cough increased from 36% at the time to 69% as of Friday.
Only 23% of respondents plan to utilize air filters to get through this period of excessive pollution, while an equal percentage will simply live with it.
15% said they plan to continue their normal activities while wearing a mask outside; the same number said they would do this while increasing their consumption of immunity-boosting foods or drinks; and the same percentage said they plan to travel for some of the month.
However, the percentage of families who plan to use air purifiers has increased from 18% to 23% in two weeks.
Get the latest news updates and stay informed with FELA NEWS!
Source: NDTV
