Delhi's battle with toxic air has led to more than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses in government hospitals over three years. From 2022 to 2024, six state-run hospitals reported 67,054 cases in 2022, 69,293 in 2023, and 68,411 in 2024. Over 30,000 patients needed hospital care during this period. The government's statement in parliament noted, "Analysis suggests that increase in pollution levels was associated with increase in number of patients attending emergency rooms. However, this study design cannot provide confirmation that the association is causal." Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has been consistently hazardous, often exceeding 20 times the World Health Organization's safety limit, especially in winter months. Factors behind this pollution include industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, falling temperatures, low wind speeds, and seasonal crop stubble burning in nearby states. On Wednesday morning, Delhi’s AQI hovered around 380, still far above the “severe” level of 400. Many hospitals have reported a surge in children falling ill due to this toxic air. The Delhi High Court is reviewing a petition demanding urgent action to reduce air pollution. India's top court has also raised concerns over Delhi's air quality in recent years, highlighting the ongoing health crisis.