Delhi Hosts Fitness Events Amid ‘Severe’ Air Pollution,Raising Health Concerns
Delhi residents participated in a marathon,cyclothon,and cycling initiative over the weekend,even as the city’s air quality index (AQI) reached “severe” levels,prompting questions about public health and event planning. The Indian Air Force marathon was flagged off from Jawaharlal nehru Stadium on Sunday with the AQI near 400.
The events – including a ‘cyclothon’ at the PNB head office in Dwarka under Vigilance Awareness Week 2025, and ‘Fit India Sunday on Cycle’ a nationwide initiative by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports – occurred as Delhi grapples with hazardous air quality.Experts predict the air quality will remain “very poor” until November 4.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), seventeen monitoring stations recorded ‘severe’ air quality with readings above 400 on Sunday. Wazirpur registered the highest AQI at 439, while twenty other stations reported ’very poor’ air quality, exceeding 300, as per the CPCB’s Sameer app.
Social media users questioned the decision to hold outdoor fitness events during such conditions,with one asking,”Where is our intelligence and what happened to GRAP?” Another user stated that participating in a marathon in the current pollution levels was ”nothing short of suicidal.”
A recent study indicated that one in seven deaths in Delhi in 2023 were linked to air pollution. Additionally, medical professionals have warned that Delhi’s pollution could increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.