Mohammed Asheel, WHO-New Delhi National Professional Officer and former Kerala Social Security Mission director, has highlighted the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi, sharing personal experiences on Facebook that reveal the daily struggle of breathing in the capital.

Struggling to survive in Delhi’s toxic air

“To my friends who wonder how someone from Kerala survives Delhi’s air pollution — honestly, it’s difficult, sometimes unbearable,” Asheel wrote. He posted photographs of himself wearing safety gear and air purifier filters, underlining the extreme precautions he takes.

He explained that even with a good respirator, which significantly filters PM2.5 particles, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen sulfide remain a threat. “When it becomes truly hazardous, I switch to another respirator with a big gas cartridges… it looks intimidating and can scare people,” he said.

Air purifiers show the hidden threat

Asheel also shared images of two of the four air purifier filters in his apartment, describing them as “clear evidence of what’s in the air we’re all breathing every day.”

A crisis beyond personal experience

He stressed that his access to respirators and indoor workspaces allows him to cope. “But I genuinely worry for the 90%+ of Delhi’s population who don’t have access to such measures. This invisible crisis is harming thousands daily, often silently,” he said.

Returning to Kerala for clean air

 

Asheel announced he would be heading home to Kerala for a week, longing for fresh air. “You truly realise the value of something only when you’re forced to crave it,” he wrote.

Delhi pollution: Protests and rising health concerns

New Delhi is facing severe air pollution, with the AQI in several areas breaching 400. Protests erupted at India Gate’s C-Hexagon over deteriorating air quality, where demonstrators clashed with police, and 22 people were arrested for allegedly using pepper spray. Authorities highlighted disruptions to traffic and emergency services. The Commission for Air Quality Management revised the Graded Response Action Plan, enforcing stricter measures, including power supply management, expanded CNG and electric transport, and staggered office hours. Delhi and neighbouring NCR cities are on alert, with officials warning conditions may worsen if wind speeds remain low.