As Delhi grapples with toxic fumes, with air quality slipping into the “severe” category at 459 on Sunday, yoga guru Ramdev said the poor AQI is only an indicator of a progressive country.
In a special show on a TV channel, the yoga guru acknowledged that Delhi could sometimes become a “gas chamber” but shrugged his shoulders and said, “When a country develops, naturally some dust will fly.”
He suggested that people should hang curtains in their homes to save themselves from worsening air pollution.
“…dust them (curtains) a bit after 15-20 days when you are wearing the mask,” he added.
Air purifiers are ‘Ameron’s beak’: Ramdev
A thick layer of smog covered the capital overnight, leaving people gasping for air. Most Delhiites now swear by an air purifier, believing it to be their best bet for maintaining a reasonably healthy life in the city.
However, Ramdev dismissed air purifiers as a fad for rich people, claiming they were “ameeron ka chonchla”.
Ramdev suggests breathing exercises instead
The yoga guru suggested Kapalbhati, a deep breathing exercise, as a way to combat the effects of Delhi’s toxic air, saying, “Sit inside and do (breathing exercises). Breathe long, long, do Kapalbhati.”
What do health experts say?
However, health experts have warned that Delhi’s air pollution should not be normalized anytime soon and suggest investing in a good air purifier. Experts also believe that exercising in polluted air can do more harm than good.
In an Instagram post, Dr. Alok Chopra, a cardiologist based in Delhi, shared general rules to help deal with rising AQI — including growing houseplants such as areca palms, snake plants or peace lilies, using a humidifier and installing an air purifier. “Allow outdoor ventilation only when AQI is low, keep air purifier on while sleeping,” he noted.
Doctors also suggested that people avoid going outside as much as possible during periods of high pollution.
