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Research Paper | Environmental Science Studies | India | Volume 12 Issue 11, November 2023

Coughing Capitals: Unraveling the Link between New Delhi?s Air Quality Index and the Increased Incidence of Lung Diseases

Serena Avin Sabherwal

Abstract: In the past decade, New Delhi, the capital of India, has seen a terrible worsening of its Air Quality Index (AQI) which has become a cause for national concern and one of global attention. These circumstances have led to rising cases of respiratory diseases, especially in the winter months when the air quality worsens due to factors such as vehicular pollution, bursting of firecrackers, and stubble burning. Despite the apparently adverse effects, there remain controversies with respect to the various causes of air pollution, which take away from the implementation of concrete solutions. This paper reviews the literature on the causes of air pollution in Delhi and supports the correlation between air pollution and the incident of respiratory issues through primary data collated from doctors in New Delhi. Drawing from this data, the paper proposes policy recommendations and suggests a focus on long - term, sustainable solutions.

Keywords: Air pollution, Respiratory issues, Air Quality Index (AQI), Stubble burning

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 11, November 2023,

Pages: 59 - 62