Delhi's toxic air: AQI above 350, 80% people suffering from breathing problems, NITI Aayog official diagnosed with stage-4 lung cancer.
Along with cold winds, the havoc of pollution is also increasing in Delhi.
Along with the cold winds, pollution is also wreaking havoc in Delhi. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in most areas of the capital remains between 300 and 400, which falls in the "very poor" category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), on the morning of November 29, 2025, Delhi's average AQI was recorded at 338, while in some areas like Anand Vihar and Dhaula Kuan, it reached 346. According to the India Meteorological Department and the Air Quality Early Warning System, the air quality is unlikely to improve even next week, as cold winds and low wind speeds are trapping pollutants. A recent survey found that more than 80 percent of Delhi-NCR residents are experiencing problems like persistent cough, fatigue, and breathing irritation. Most worryingly, air pollution is now proving fatal. Urvashi Prasad, a 35-year-old NITI Aayog official, developed stage-4 lung cancer without smoking, which doctors attributed to Delhi's toxic air. According to information from reliable sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, India Today, and the Smyton Pulse AI survey, this crisis is not only affecting health but also disrupting the economy and daily life.
Delhi's air pollution is no longer a seasonal problem, but a year-round challenge. More than half of the days in November were in the "very poor" or "severe" category. CPCB data shows that the AQI was 369 on November 28th, which improved slightly to 338 the next day, but still remains in the 301-400 range. Some private monitoring agencies, like AQI.in, recorded 296 at 7 a.m., but by noon, it had risen to 341. IndiGo Airlines and other airlines have been affected, with flights disrupted. According to Hindu BusinessLine, areas like India Gate and Kartavya Path are shrouded in thick smog, with the AQI reaching 346. PM2.5 and PM10 particles are the main pollutants that enter the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses. Stubble burning in winter, vehicle exhaust, construction work, and factory smoke are the main causes. Stage 3 restrictions have been lifted under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), but experts say this hasn't been very effective. The air will remain stable for the next few days, which could further increase pollution.
Surveys clearly show that pollution is having a profound impact on the general public. In a recent survey by Smitten PulseAI, more than 80 percent of Delhi-NCR residents reported experiencing persistent health problems due to polluted air. These include chronic cough, severe fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and itchy eyes. 68 percent sought medical help, while 85 percent reported increased medical expenses. According to ET HealthWorld, 79.8 percent of those surveyed are considering leaving Delhi, of which 33.6 percent are seriously planning. Hillsides, smaller towns, or locations outside Delhi are preferred. Another survey by LocalCircles found that at least one member in three out of four families is ill, with breathing problems, sore throats, and nasal congestion being common symptoms. These problems are particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and heart patients. Doctors say that pollution is also increasing viral infections like H3N2, leading to a doubling of cold and flu cases.
Most tragically, pollution is now giving rise to fatal diseases like cancer. The case of former NITI Aayog Director Urvashi Prasad is a prime example. Urvashi, a 35-year-old who never smoked and lived a healthy life, developed stage-4 lung cancer. In an interview with India Today, she said, "I have never smoked a cigarette nor have I ever been exposed to secondhand smoke." Yet, Delhi's air gave me this disease.' A 30-year study by the Chest Surgery Center at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital shows that in 1998, 90 percent of lung cancer patients were smokers, but by 2018, this figure had reversed. Now, 50-70 percent of patients are non-smokers. In 2015, there were 63,700 new cases, which increased to 81,200 in 2025. According to Newstak and Aaj Tak, experts blame pollution as the main culprit. PM2.5 particles enter the lungs and damage DNA, increasing the risk of cancer by 9 percent. Urvashi warned that lung cancer is no longer a disease of smokers, but of those who breathe.
Sources of air pollution are numerous. In Delhi, 30 percent of pollution comes from vehicles, 20 percent from stubble burning, and 15 percent from construction. According to The Quint, it has become a 'breather's disease'. Scientific reports suggest that rising AQI levels could increase lung cancer deaths by 15-20 percent. The Delhi government has implemented construction restrictions, an odd-even scheme, and installed water sprinklers under GRAP, but Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav stated the goal is a 40 percent reduction by 2025-26. Nevertheless, NGOs and experts believe coordination with neighboring states is essential. According to Health Policy Watch, a 10 microgram increase in PM2.5 increases cancer risk by 9 percent, while Delhi's average is 105 micrograms.
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