From sore throats to burning eyes: 7 in 10 Delhi-NCR families feel the effects of pollution, new survey shows

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Diwali celebrations, Delhi is facing a significant pollution crisis, with a recent survey indicating that 69% of families in the capital and the National Capital Region (NCR) report health issues stemming from deteriorating air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a staggering 999 on the night of Diwali, marking one of the highest levels recorded in the area.

Survey Findings Highlight Serious Symptoms

Conducted by LocalCircles, the survey gathered over 21,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. The results are alarming: 69% of families reported at least one member suffering from sore throat or cough, while 62% experienced burning sensations in their eyes due to the high pollution levels. Additionally, 46% reported symptoms such as a running nose or congestion, showcasing a widespread impact on health.

The survey also revealed that 31% of families reported breathing difficulties or asthma, while headaches affected another 31%. Furthermore, 23% of respondents noted experiencing anxiety or difficulty concentrating, and 15% reported trouble sleeping. On a slightly positive note, 31% of families indicated that no one in their households faced health issues related to pollution.

Significant Change in Health Reports Since October

These findings reflect a dramatic shift from a previous survey conducted on October 19, shortly after the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-1. At that time, only 36% of respondents reported symptoms of sore throat or