New Delhi: In an unprecedented move, some of India’s top medical experts have issued an advisory urging the government to recognise severe pollution episodes as a public health crisis.
Delhi-NCR, several other cities across north India and even Mumbai have been battling dangerous levels of air pollution, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels remaining ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’.
Keeping in mind the immediate and long-term health consequences for millions of residents, a group of respected doctors, including 80 Padma awardees, have raised alarms about the rapidly escalating public health emergency.
The signatories include leading cardiologists Dr Naresh Trehan and Dr Devi Shetty, top endocrinologists Dr Ambrish Mithal and Dr Nikhil Tandon, renowned diabetologist Dr V Mohan, pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria, and neurologist Dr M V Padma Srivastava.
Describing the situation as ‘deeply troubling and medically unacceptable’, the doctors have said the country is facing a full-blown health emergency, with air pollution no longer a seasonal or environmental issue but a daily, life-threatening hazard – especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with heart and lung diseases.
The doctors cited latest data from this year showing that India records 1.7 million air pollution-related deaths annually. Over one-third of all respiratory deaths in the country are linked to poor air quality, and 40% of stroke-related mortality is attributed to pollution exposure. PM2.5 levels in north India often reach 20 to 40 times the safe limit declared by World Health Organization. Significantly, almost 70% of our population is breathing air that is unsafe for daily living, the doctors pointed out, adding that almost 4 lakh child deaths every year are linked to toxic air exposure.
Outlining health threats and practical protection strategies, the advisory emphasised that pollution has far-reaching consequences beyond respiratory discomfort. Among the risks are increased asthma attacks, higher likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, poor diabetes control and hypertension, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and long-term lung damage in children.
Practical advice for families & individuals
Measures like air purifiers and N95 masks offer meaningful protection for those who can afford these, but low-cost alternatives must also be actively encouraged, according to doctors
The doctors said households without purifiers can mitigate indoor pollution by wet-mopping floors, reducing incense and candle use, ensuring proper ventilation while cooking, and keeping footwear outside.
The advisory has recommended triple-layer medical masks or tightly wrapped cotton cloth as last-resort options, stressing regular replacement or washing for effectiveness.
Giving special attention to vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly, the advisory recommends that schools suspend outdoor sports and morning assemblies on high-AQI days. Pregnant women, senior citizens, and those with chronic diseases should limit exposure to traffic-heavy areas.
For people suffering from asthma, COPD, or heart disease, doctors have urged strict adherence to prescribed medications and immediate medical attention for worsening symptoms.
People have been advised to report dust-generating construction sites, plant native trees, and organise local clean-up drives to reduce accumulated dust and debris.
Action plan for Govt
The advisory has outlined a seven-point action plan for the government. Call for the recognition of severe pollution episodes as a public health crisis, the doctors have advised enforcement of strict controls on construction dust, waste burning and illegal diesel generators, and the issuance of clear AQI-based guidelines for schools and outdoor activities.
Mobile health clinics should be set up during peak pollution periods, public transport networks strengthened, and a coordinated multi-state clean-air strategy for north India be developed.
A critical need that has been listed is expansion of lung-health screening services in government hospitals and primary care centres.
The doctors warned that that without immediate and coordinated action, India risks long-term health consequences that will burden future generations.
