As the National Capital Region (NCR) continues to reel under “severe” air pollution, yoga guru Ramdev has waded into the debate on tackling the crisis, dismissing modern solutions like air purifiers.
Speaking at a television channel’s special show, Ramdev suggested that simple, low-cost measures like practicing yoga exercises and using curtains are the best defense against the smog.
When asked by the anchor how people could exercise outdoors given the hazardous air, Ramdev first offered a philosophical view on the pollution, stating, “Look, when a country is progressing, naturally some dust will fly.”
He then elaborated on his suggested measures for when the city becomes a “gas chamber”:
“Put some curtains in the house, dust them off a little after 15-20 days while wearing a mask. Sit inside and do (breathing exercises). Take long, long breaths, do Kapalbhati.”
Ramdev was quick to dismiss the use of air purifiers, calling them “ameeron ka chonchla“—a fad, or extravagance, for rich people.
Delhi-NCR Chokes Under ‘Severe’ Air
The yoga guru’s comments come as a thick layer of smog blanketed Delhi-NCR on Sunday morning, severely reducing visibility and causing widespread discomfort.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) for New Delhi was recorded at 462 at 6 AM, firmly placing it in the ‘severe’ category. All 40 air quality monitoring stations across Delhi were registering ‘red’ readings. The worst affected areas included Rohini in northwest Delhi, which recorded a critically high AQI of 499, followed closely by Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar at 495.
The persistent and hazardous air quality continues to pose a major public health risk, particularly across northern India.