Some hospitals have seen a 70 per cent increase in patients arriving with respiratory problems much earlier than in the previous year, primarily individuals with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.

Persons with conditions should stay indoors during these days as much as possible or follow medical advice to the letter.

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Though timings have been curtailed for firecrackers, they are going to be burst for some time at least.

We are befuddled by this cry and efforts to increase greenery. On the one hand, existing gardens and greens are under threat from so-called development; on the other, the same agencies shout that they are increasing greenery in the city.

There are inherent contradictions in this and that should surely be evident even to all those at the forefront of these projects.

Meanwhile, those with pre-existing conditions will need regular check-ups, restrain their exposure to second-hand smoke and do whatever is humanly possible to avoid pollution.

We may be unable to do too much but ensure in small ways, either in our immediate environment like housing societies etc. if we can take some initiative to curb this pollution. Think about the suffering and be empathetic enough to take action, however small that step may be.