Tue Feb 03 03:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis: Working Class Suffers Disproportionately
The Story:
A recent report highlighted by Aaj Ka AQI reveals the disproportionate impact of Delhi’s air pollution on its working-class communities. Newslaundry’s investigation at a busy intersection in Saket found an AQI of 364, categorized as “very poor,” with PM2.5 at 204 and PM10 at 215. While a privileged few can afford air purifiers and sealed homes, the majority of Delhi’s informal workforce, comprising over 80% of the city’s labor, lacks such protection, turning clean air into a luxury.
Key Points:
- Delhi’s air quality remains severely compromised, with Saket recording a “very poor” AQI of 364.
- PM2.5 levels reached 204, and PM10 stood at 215 in the studied area.
- Over 80% of Delhi’s workforce operates in the informal sector, lacking protection from air pollution.
- Clean air is becoming a luxury, inaccessible to a large portion of the population.
- A report by Dialogue Earth emphasized how conversations around Delhi’s air pollution routinely overlook its impact on working-class communities.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi’s air pollution crisis is not experienced equally across its population.
- Socio-economic disparities exacerbate the health impacts of poor air quality.
- Addressing air pollution requires solutions that consider the needs and vulnerabilities of the working class.
- The issue is being raised for discussion and campaigns are being created to address the problem.
First Piper 