Delhi, a bustling metropolis known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is facing a dire health crisis, particularly among its youngest residents. The city has been grappling with severe air pollution, leading to a concerning rise in respiratory ailments, particularly asthma among children. Recent statistics have revealed a harrowing reality: approximately every third child in Delhi is now grappling with asthma, largely due to the hazardous air quality that plagues the city.
The air quality in Delhi has long been a cause for concern, especially during the winter months when a combination of factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, crop burning in neighboring states, festival season and weather conditions, creates a toxic smog that engulfs the city. The concentration of particulate matter, especially PM2.5 and PM10, reaches levels far beyond the safety thresholds set by the World Health Organization (WHO), causing a health emergency.