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Cough, Headaches: 3 In 4 Delhi-NCR Homes Feeling Air Impact, Finds Survey
Press Trust of India | Updated: October 25, 2025 18:31 IST
Kartavya Path lawn covered in smog as AQI remains in 'Very Poor' category on Saturday
Three out of four households in Delhi-NCR are already experiencing the ill-effects of toxic air, with common complaints ranging from sore throat and cough to burning eyes, headaches and disturbed sleep, according to an online survey by citizen engagement platform LocalCircles.
An analysis of CPCB data showed that post-Diwali, PM 2.5 levels have touched 488 micrograms per cubic metre, the highest in five years and over three times the pre-festival level of 156.6 micrograms per cubic metre. Pollution levels peaked during Diwali night on October 20 and the early next morning.
The survey, based on over 44,000 responses from residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, found that 42 per cent of the households reported that one or more members were suffering from sore throat or cough, while 25 per cent said family members had burning eyes, headaches or difficulty sleeping.
About 17 per cent of respondents reported breathing difficulties or aggravated asthma.
LocalCircles said 44 per cent of households were trying to minimise outdoor exposure and increase intake of immunity-boosting foods and drinks to cope with poor air quality. Nearly one-third of respondents said they had consulted or planned to consult doctors for pollution-related ailments.
Despite a 77.5 per cent reduction in stubble burning events in Punjab and Haryana due to floods and delayed harvests, Delhi's air quality has remained poor with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 in several areas -- about 24 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended level for PM2.5 exposure.
LocalCircles said the findings highlight that residents are "already feeling the impact of toxic air" and called for strict enforcement of anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including deployment of smog guns and night-time sweeping to reduce dust.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Delhi's overall AQI on Saturday morning stood in the "poor" category at 261, down from 290 a day earlier. However, Anand Vihar recorded a "severe" AQI of 415, the highest among all monitoring stations.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Published: October 25, 2025 18:27 IST
Press Trust of India | Saturday October 25, 2025Three out of four households in Delhi-NCR are already experiencing the ill-effects of toxic air, with common complaints ranging from sore throat and cough to burning eyes, headaches and disturbed sleep, according to an online survey
- Press Trust of India | Saturday October 25, 2025 , New Delhi
The sudden exposure to smoke, toxic gases, and fine particulate matter has left the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic respiratory or cardiac illnesses struggling to cope.
- Asian News International | Saturday October 25, 2025 , New Delhi
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital improved on Saturday morning but remained under the "poor" category, with Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) already in effect across Delhi-NCR.
- Press Trust of India | Friday October 24, 2025 , New Delhi
With the city's air quality remaining in the "poor" category, Delhiites are rushing to stock up on air purifiers and masks, leading to a 60-70 per cent jump in sales, traders said.
- Written by Manya Singh | Saturday October 25, 2025
The State of Global Air 2025 examines air quality and health outcomes using the latest PM2.5 and ozone exposure data and disease burden models.
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