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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Sooryavanshi's century in vain as SRH beat RR by 5 wickets
Jaipur (PTI): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's century went in vain as Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets in their IPL match here on Saturday.
Sooryavanshi hammered his second hundred in the IPL — a 37-ball 103 — as Rajasthan Royals put on board a strong 228 for six after they were put in to bat first.
Sooryavanshi got plenty of support from Dhruv Jurel, who made a 35-ball 51 and, helped the teenager milk 112 runs for the second wicket. In the death overs, Donovan Ferreira (33) played some big shots as RR went past the 200-run mark.
But, SRH chased down the target of 229 with nine balls to spare, with Ishan Kishan top-scoring with a 74 off 31 balls. Abhishek Sharma chipped in with 57 off 29 deliveries as SRH reached 229 for 5 in 18.3 overs.
Brief Scores:
Rajasthan Royals: 228/6 in 20 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 103, Dhruv Jurel 51; Pat Cummins 1/27, Eshan Malinga 2/38).
Sunrisers Hydearabad: 229 for 5 in 18.3 overs (Ishan Kishan 74, Abhishek Sharma 57; Jofra Archer 2/34, Brijesh Sharma 2/44).
