Delhi and Mumbai are facing severe air pollution once again, with many parts of both cities recording extremely poor air quality. Residents are complaining of burning eyes, breathing problems and constant throat irritation as the Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to stay in the unhealthy range.
Actor Sayani Gupta shared on Instagram that she has been unwell ever since she returned to Mumbai from Goa. In the reel she said that her throat infection turned into a sinus problem, and her condition has been getting worse each day.
Gupta said she has not opened her windows because the air outside feels ‘toxic,’ and even using an air purifier does not help much.
In the Instagram reel she criticised the constant construction work across the city and said the dust, cement and debris were making the situation worse. “Trees are being cut everywhere and redevelopment has become a trend even for buildings that do not need it,” she said. She called the situation “dire” and said people’s basic right to breathe clean air is being ignored.
Strict pollution curbs in Mumbai
Though Mumbai enforced strict restrictions under GRAP 4, the highest level of anti-pollution measures on Monday, several areas, including Mazgaon, Deonar, Malad, Borivali East, Navy Nagar, Powai and Mulund, recorded AQI levels in the “very poor” and “severe” categories.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stopped construction and other dust-creating activities in badly affected areas. Officials are also monitoring many construction sites where shutdown notices have been issued.
Residents report serious health problems
People across the city are reporting symptoms like burning eyes, dry cough, blocked nose and breathlessness. Many say these issues feel similar to what Delhi residents experience every winter.
Doctors warn that the current pollution is especially harmful because of fine particles like PM2.5 and PM10. These tiny particles enter deep into the lungs and cause inflammation. Over time, they can increase the risk of asthma attacks, sinus problems, heart disease, certain cancers and even dementia. Neurologist Dr Joy Dev Mukherji said in an interview with ANI that studies have found a statistical link between air pollution and dementia. He said the exact biological process behind this is still not fully understood. However, he believes it may be due to inflammation in the brain, which gradually leads to nerve cell damage.
Why Mumbai’s pollution feels different
Pollution affects Mumbai differently because of the city’s high humidity. Moisture in the air mixes with exhaust fumes and particulate matter, creating a sticky layer that settles directly on the throat’s lining. This causes irritation, hoarseness, excess mucus and frequent throat infections.
Dr. Ankit Kumar Sinha, Senior Consultant and Unit Head, Pulmonology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, says, “Apart from the usual cough, sore throat, and tight chest, we are seeing patients with unusual symptoms. These include a metallic taste in the mouth, recurrent nosebleeds, unexplained skin rashes, pain in the nasal cavity, new floaters in the eye, dizziness, and even cognitive fog caused by low oxygen levels. Some people experience acute sinusitis or ear blockages due to trapped toxins.”
During this time, people should watch out for early signs of pollution-related illness, such as persistent dryness or irritation in the throat, a hoarse voice or voice changes, a dry cough, excess mucus or phlegm, and repeated throat infections.
With AQI levels expected to remain high for a few more days, authorities in both Delhi and Mumbai have advised people to stay indoors as much as possible, wear N95 masks outside and avoid heavy outdoor exercise. For now, both cities continue to struggle as residents wait for cleaner air and some much-needed relief.
