As Delhi continues to grapple with rising pollution levels, Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoortook a timely and pointed jab at the city’s deteriorating air, highlighting the increasing health risks for residents. On Thursday, Tharoor posted a quip on social media platform ‘X’, stating in Hindi, “jaise jaise November ka mahina chadega, fefdo pe performance ka bojh badhega”—translated as, “As November progresses, the burden of performance on the lungs will increase.” His comment underscored the growing public concern about the impact of toxic air on respiratory health as the city entered the peak winter pollution season.

Tharoor’s remark comes against the backdrop of a stark rise in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which climbed to 271 at 8 am on Thursday, placing the city firmly in the ‘poor’ category. Morning haze blanketed much of the capital, reducing visibility and contributing to a noticeable decline in air quality. Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System indicated that the situation was likely to worsen by evening, with AQI levels expected to slip further into the ‘very poor’ range, posing increased risks for vulnerable populations.

Health Impact and Surge in Respiratory Illnesses

Doctors and medical experts in Delhi have already reported a significant rise in patients presenting with respiratory ailments. Hospitals and clinics across the city are seeing an uptick of 22–25% in cases related to pollution, including bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis. According to Dr. Pulin Gupta, Professor at PGIMER, outpatient departments (OPDs) have been “flooded with patients with respiratory diseases like bronchitis and acute asthma attacks.”

Dr. Gupta explained that many patients are also reporting symptoms such as runny nose, bleeding nose, dryness, watery and reddened eyes, and even diminution of vision. Those with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a history of tuberculosis, are particularly vulnerable. “Almost 22–25 per cent extra number of patients of all the pollution-related diseases are being reported,” he added, highlighting the public health burden posed by deteriorating air quality.

Declining Air Quality Across the City

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) show a steady worsening of air quality since November 5, when the city recorded an AQI of 202 at 4 pm. Specific areas in Delhi have already entered the ‘very poor’ category. Burari Crossing reported an AQI of 280, Dwarka Sector 8 measured 296, and ITO stood at 295, while Narela reached 302 and Bawana soared to 337. Such readings are alarming as they indicate high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Authorities have urged residents, particularly children, the elderly, and people with existing health conditions, to limit outdoor exposure. Protective measures, such as wearing high-quality masks and using air purifiers indoors, are recommended to reduce inhalation of pollutants. The public has also been advised to avoid outdoor physical activity during peak pollution hours and to closely monitor AQI updates to plan daily routines accordingly.

November Pollution Surge: Causes and Trends

The worsening air quality in Delhi during November is part of a recurring seasonal trend. Cooler temperatures, low wind speeds, and increased vehicular and industrial emissions contribute to the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere. Additionally, the practice of crop stubble burning in neighboring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana, significantly exacerbates particulate matter levels, creating thick smog that often shrouds the city for days.

Meteorologists note that the combination of thermal inversion and stagnant air prevents pollutants from dispersing, intensifying the concentration of harmful particles near the ground. The cumulative effect of these factors has led to an early onset of the “winter pollution season” in Delhi this year, prompting both public health advisories and political commentary.

Political and Public Discourse

Shashi Tharoor’s quip reflects the growing political engagement on environmental issues in Delhi. His comment, delivered with characteristic wit, simultaneously critiques the ongoing failure to control pollution and draws attention to the health consequences for millions of residents. Social media reactions to his post indicate a mixture of humor, concern, and outrage, illustrating how environmental health has become a matter of public and political discourse in India’s capital.

As citizens grapple with rising AQI levels, the government and civic authorities face pressure to implement long-term measures to reduce air pollution. Strategies under discussion include stricter regulation of industrial emissions, expansion of public transport networks, measures to curb stubble burning in neighboring states, and promoting cleaner fuels and sustainable urban infrastructure.

Forecast and Advisory

The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts that Delhi’s AQI will remain in the ‘very poor’ category between November 6 and 8, raising concerns over continued public health strain. Residents are advised to follow safety measures closely, including wearing N95 masks, using indoor air purifiers, and avoiding outdoor exertion, particularly in areas with critically high pollution levels.

Medical experts reiterate that the pollution surge is not merely a seasonal inconvenience but a serious public health crisis that could lead to a higher incidence of long-term respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are particularly susceptible to acute attacks and long-term health impacts from prolonged exposure to hazardous air.

As Delhi continues to navigate the environmental and health challenges of the season, Tharoor’s pointed observation serves as both a warning and a call to action. The “burden of performance on the lungs” is not merely a humorous turn of phrase but a stark reminder that Delhiites must contend with one of the most polluted capitals in the world, where air quality directly affects day-to-day life and long-term well-being.