Noida Pollution ‘Pushed’ A Young Baby Into Surgery and Hospitalised: Tips to Protect Yourself From Delhi NCR's Toxic Air

As the winter smog worsens across Delhi-NCR and air quality plummets, its impact is being felt by people of all ages, including young babies. Delhi-NCR's air quality has hit dangerous levels this November, with AQI soaring past 500 in many spots, classified as "hazardous." Everyone feels the impact, from kids struggling to breathe to adults coughing nonstop.

Recently, a Noida-based mother, content-creator Sakshi Pahwa, shared a deeply distressing story: her young son needed surgery because of severe respiratory issues she believes were triggered by persistent pollution. Her emotional video has sparked outrage, anxiety and fear among parents across the region.

The Video That Shocked Many

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sakshi Pahwa (@baby.khrisha_jayrit)

In her video shared on social media, Sakshi wrote, “Delhi NCR pollution didn’t just affect the air we breathe… it pushed my little one into surgery. Two years ago we shifted here, and from that day chronic cold–cough, nonstop allergies and breathing issues began. No medicine worked, only pollution kept getting worse.” 

She described how traditional treatments like inhalers, antibiotics, allergy medications failed repeatedly. Over time, her son’s adenoids and tonsils reportedly enlarged to “Stage 4,” blocking his airway and forcing doctors to recommend surgery. The hospital footage shows the boy in a hospital bed; the pain and fear were glaring. The mother’s plea, “As parents, watching him cry broke us in ways words can’t explain” struck a chord with thousands. 

Many viewers responded with grief, frustration, and a plea for action. Some urged the family to move out of NCR, while others called on authorities to address what they called a “public health emergency.”

ALSO READ: In High AQI of Delhi, Can You Run When the Air Quality Is Poor? What Experts Say About Risks

What’s Happening with Delhi-NCR Air Quality?

The tragedy of a baby forced into surgery highlights a broader crisis. For days now, air quality across Delhi-NCR has hovered in the “severe” to “very poor” categories. As of late November 2025, parts of the region logged AQI values above 400 — levels widely considered hazardous to health. 

In Noida and surrounding areas, hospitals are seeing a surge in respiratory illnesses. Recent data suggest outpatient visits for wheezing, asthma, bronchitis, and other pollution-related ailments have climbed by nearly 40%. Children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable. Doctors warn that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), dust, vehicle emissions, and construction-related pollutants are likely driving this sudden spike.

How to Protect Yourself from Delhi's Toxic Air

In one of our previous articles, experts like Dr Debashish Chanda, an orthopaedic surgeon at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, and Dr R Nanda Kumar, Senior Consultant, SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai shared practical tips to shield yourself from severe pollution. Here's what they recommend:

• “Limit your outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours,” says Dr. Chanda, to cut down on harmful particle intake.
• “Wear a well-fitting N95 or equivalent mask when stepping out,” which filters PM2.5 effectively, as per Dr. Kumar's advice.
• “Use a certified air purifier indoors to maintain clean air,” Dr. Chanda adds, and keep windows closed on smoggy days.
• “Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water,” to keep airways moist and less irritated.
• “Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when the AQI is ‘poor’ or ‘severe’; switch to indoor activities,” urges Dr. Kumar.

These steps from the experts can make a real difference in protecting lungs and health during high AQI days.

ALSO READ: Amid Delhi’s High AQI, Can N95 Masks Save You from Pollution? We Asked an Expert

Conclusion

What happened to Sakshi Pahwa’s son is more than a heart-breaking story. It may be a warning signal for many other families living in pollution-prone regions. When a baby needs surgery because of environmental neglect, the issue is no longer just personal, it becomes a public-health emergency.