Delhi-NCR sees rise in respiratory, pregnancy-related cases due to post-Diwali pollution
New Delhi (PTI): The days following Diwali have once again brought a sharp decline in Delhi-NCR's air quality, with hospitals reporting a noticeable surge in respiratory and pregnancy-related complications.
Doctors across the region have attributed this spike to the combined effects of air and noise pollution caused by the widespread bursting of firecrackers, particularly during late-night hours.
According to pulmonologists and gynaecologists, both outpatient and emergency cases saw a sharp rise between October 20 and 23, as pollution levels soared far beyond permissible limits.
Delhi's Air Quality Index remained in the "very poor" category in the period.
The sudden exposure to smoke, toxic gases, and fine particulate matter has left the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic respiratory or cardiac illnesses struggling to cope.
"The post-Diwali smog is particularly dangerous because it comes with a sudden, dense concentration of pollutants. We've seen a nearly 30 per cent jump in patients with breathing difficulties, asthma flare-ups, and allergic bronchitis within just two days after Diwali," said Dr Pulkit Agarwal,Consultant Pulmonologist, SilverStreak Superspeciality Hospital.
Echoing the concern, Dr Mohit Bhardwaj, Consultant Pulmonology, Shalby International Hospital, Gurugram said, "The combination of stagnant winter air and smoke from crackers traps pollutants close to the ground. People with pre-existing conditions must avoid outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours, wear N95 masks, and continue prescribed inhalers or medications without interruption."
Gynaecologists are equally alarmed about the less visible but serious effects of pollution on maternal and foetal health.
"High levels of particulate matter can cross the placental barrier and interfere with foetal growth and brain development. We have observed an increase in expectant mothers reporting shortness of breath, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure following Diwali festivities," explained Dr Astha Dayal Director Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon.
Post-Diwali, PM2.5 levels peaked at 675, a four-year high.
Dr Yashica Gudesar Director and unit head Obstetrician and Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka highlighted that continuous exposure to polluted air during pregnancy could also raise the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
"We advise pregnant women to stay indoors when air quality dips, use air purifiers at home, and increase fluid intake to flush out toxins.
"Working women should also ensure the use of air purifiers at home, in their offices, and even in cars to minimize continuous exposure to harmful pollutants," she said.
Health experts have collectively urged both citizens and authorities to adopt more responsible and sustainable ways of celebrating festivals.
They recommended switching to eco-friendly crackers, organising community firework displays instead of individual ones, and promoting quieter, greener celebrations.
With air quality dipping to "severe" levels across several parts of Delhi-NCR, medical professionals stress that preventive care, public awareness, and responsible celebration are the only ways to break this recurring post-Diwali health emergency.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
