Delhi Faces Health Crisis as Acute Respiratory Illnesses Surge Amid Toxic Air Pollution

Mon Dec 15 2025 06:44:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Over 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses have been reported in Delhi's hospitals, primarily attributed to severe air pollution conditions. Government officials highlight the correlation between rising pollution levels and increased hospitalizations.

Delhi has recorded more than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses between 2022 and 2024, correlating with the alarming rise in air pollution levels. Reported cases include over 30,000 hospitalizations, with the city frequently experiencing toxic air conditions that spike during winters. The primary causes include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural practices. As the health crisis deepens, urgent calls for action have been raised within the government and legal forums to address the hazardous air quality.

More than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses were recorded in six state-run hospitals in Delhi between 2022 and 2024 as the Indian capital struggled with rising pollution levels, the federal government has said.

The government stated in parliament that more than 30,000 individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses had to be hospitalized during this time frame.

Toxic air is a recurring issue in Delhi and its suburbs, especially during winter months. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been reported to be over 20 times the limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

Reasons attributed to this alarming situation include a combination of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, dropping temperatures, low wind speeds, and the seasonal burning of crop stubble in neighboring states.

Delhi's six major hospitals reported 67,054 acute respiratory cases in 2022, rising to 69,293 in 2023, and then slightly declining to 68,411 in 2024. This trend indicates a worrying correlation between pollution levels and increased hospital admissions.

On an average day, Delhi's AQI frequently exceeds the severe threshold of 400, particularly during the winter season, posing severe health risks to the entire population, especially those with pre-existing conditions. As of this week, the average AQI was recorded at approximately 380.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Delhi's high court is evaluating urgent measures to combat hazardous air pollution, while India’s top court has also expressed concerns regarding the deteriorating air quality in the capital and surrounding regions.