Bhubaneswar, Dec 14: Air Quality Index (AQI) in four cities across Odisha has worsened in the past few days and categorised as very poor. People are experiencing respiratory issues, including sore eyes, congestion, and breathing difficulties.
Hospitals in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Talcher, Angul, and other cities are seeing a surge in patients suffering from cough, cold, and respiratory discomfort.
According to Dr. Banani Jena, a chest specialist at SUM Hospital, the number of patients with lung diseases in the state is rising rapidly. Comparing the situation to ten years ago, there has been a significant increase—nearly three times as many people are now affected.
Air pollution levels have worsened, severely impacting people's health, leading to problems such as nasal, eye, and throat issues, as well as an increase in allergies. Many individuals are experiencing difficulty in breathing, and the elderly, women, children, and youth are among the most affected groups.
An international research report recently highlighted that air pollution in India contributes to the loss of around 150,000 lives annually. Pollution-related diseases are causing a range of health problems, particularly in the lungs.
Fine particulate matter in the air is causing respiratory diseases, including asthma, lung cancer, and other pulmonary issues.
The increasing pollution levels are primarily due to vehicle emissions, construction activities, and industrial pollutants. These sources are significantly contributing to the growing air pollution problem, and experts warn that urgent measures are needed to address the public health crisis.
