Delhi’s overall air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ range on Friday morning, registering an AQI of 384. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app, 20 monitoring stations reported air quality in the ‘very poor’ category, while 18 stations recorded ‘severe’ pollution levels.
The city has been dealing with deteriorating air quality for the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, in an Instagram video posted on November 27, cardiologist Dr. Alok Chopra, Founder-Director and Consultant Cardiologist at Aashlok Hospital, Delhi, with four decades of experience, shared a practical survival guide for residents facing a severe air pollution crisis in the city.
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He noted that the most alarming issue is how hazardous air quality in Delhi has normalized and outlined basic precautions people should take to protect their health. He wrote: “Delhi’s AQI lately? Let’s say… It’s ‘please love your lungs more’.” Clean your air, nourish your cells and protect your cardiovascular system every day.”
In his Instagram video, Dr Chopra said, “I’ve lived in Delhi for 72 years and today I’m saying something I never thought I’d say. I’m ashamed of what my city has become. I’m Dr Alok Chopra. Delhi is not just my birthplace. It’s my home. It’s where I grew up, where my children grew up. Where my every memory lives on this planet. And today we breathe the most poisonous.”
The cardiologist further added, “In 2017, many of us doctors marched to the gates of India. We warned that this crisis was on its way. It has arrived, it has persisted and it is now determining how we conduct ourselves in our daily lives.”
Here’s what he suggested:
Step 1: “And as a doctor, I strongly recommend you do now to protect yourself during this heavy pollution,” he added, adding that “essential first steps include wearing an N95 mask every time you go outside, keeping children and the elderly indoors as much as possible, using air purifiers, especially at night, avoiding outdoor exercise and staying well hydrated.”
Step 2: He recommended a targeted supplementation regimen to help counter the inflammation and oxidative stress caused by air pollution. This included a combined dose of vitamins C and E for their powerful antioxidant effects, along with curcumin, quercetin, beta-carotene and sulforaphane, which is derived from broccoli sprouts.
Note: Mint could not independently verify these claims.
In his video, he also recommended taking B-complex vitamins and increasing vitamin D intake on days with particularly high pollution.
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Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) and CoQ10 are further designed to support the body’s defenses against damage caused by pollution.
Step 3: He highlighted foods that naturally help the body fight pollution damage and encouraged people to include lemon, turmeric, spinach, grapes, avocado, nuts, pomegranate and kiwi in their daily diet.
Step 4 focuses on improving indoor air quality. He recommended adding more houseplants such as snake plants, spider plants, money plants, aloe vera and rubber trees; using a humidifier, if appropriate; and running air purifiers to strategically ventilate the house during periods when the AQI is lower.
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IN Step 5listed key activities to avoid indoors: refrain from lighting candles, incense or air fresheners; completely avoid smoking or vaping; do not burn wood or garbage; and stop using aerosol sprays as these all worsen indoor pollution.
Finally, Step 6 emphasized the importance of regularly monitoring the AQI in order to adjust your activities and measures accordingly.
Delhi CM says ‘Government is monitoring situation’
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is regularly monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures to curb pollution on a daily basis, ANI reported.
CM Rekha Gupta said, “The government is monitoring the situation daily and regularly taking appropriate measures to curb pollution. The steps we take today will yield results in the future.”
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CM Rekha Gupta held a roadshow at Shalimar Bagh ahead of the by-elections in the 12 wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), but she was clearly not wearing a mask.
In a post X, Rahul Gandhi slammed the Center and questioned the Centre, alleging “no urgency, plan or responsibility” for the air pollution problem. He wrote: “Every mother I meet tells me the same thing: her child is growing up breathing toxic air. They are exhausted, scared and angry. Modi ji, India’s children are suffocating in front of us. How can you be silent? Why is your government showing no urgency, no plan, no responsibility?”
“India needs an immediate, detailed parliamentary debate on air pollution and a rigorous, enforceable action plan to address this health emergency. Our children deserve clean air – not excuses and distractions,” he wrote.
Earlier, as the AQI level improved from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’, the CAQM on Wednesday decided to lift all restrictions under Phase III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect, a press release said.
In addition, the CAQM ordered the authorities to intensify measures under I and II. stages of the GRAP to ensure pollution levels do not rise again.
“However, Phase I and II actions will remain in place and will be implemented as per the revised GRAP dated 21/11/2025 (copy attached), monitored and reviewed by all concerned agencies across the NCR to ensure that AQI levels do not slip further into the ‘Severe/Severe’ category. In particular, all implementing agencies will adhere to the strict measures of S-GRILAP1. the release said.
The order also stated that construction sites that had previously been closed for violations could not resume work without special permission from the Commission.
(With input from agencies)
