‘Pollution OPD’ in Delhi as air remains poisonous, ‘pollution-linked ailments surge’

Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, and even the Supreme Court’s ban did not deter the residents from bursting firecrackers on Diwali. The morning after the festivities, the city saw a thick layer of fog and smoke. 

The ‘very poor’ air quality of the national capital region – which had briefly improved because of rains – plunged to ‘severe’ again following the festivities. As the region reportedly recorded an upshot in pollution-related ailments, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital announced a ‘Pollution OPD’. 

The hospital’s director, Dr Ajay Shukla, said every year during October and November, the city sees a rise of “30 percent” in patients suffering from pollution-related ailments.  

However, people who burst firecrackers on Diwali said it was an “integral part” of their “religious tradition and festivities”. They also deemed the top court’s firecracker ban “wrong”. 

Watch.