As Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region continue to struggle with severe air pollution, yoga guru Ramdev on Sunday dismissed the use of air purifiers, calling them a luxury meant only for the rich. His remarks came at a time when the city’s air quality index has repeatedly touched the severe category, causing health concerns for millions.
Ramdev made these comments during a special programme on a television news channel. When asked how people could take care of their health while pollution levels remain dangerously high, he suggested yoga, breathing exercises and simple household measures instead of modern equipment like air purifiers.
“Look, when a country progresses, some dust is bound to rise,” Ramdev said while responding to a question on air pollution. Acknowledging that Delhi often turns into what he described as a gas chamber, he advised people to manage the situation inside their homes. “Put up curtains in your house. Clean them every 15 or 20 days while wearing a mask,” he said.
He further suggested that people should stay indoors and practice breathing exercises. “Sit inside and take long breaths. Do Kapalbhati,” Ramdev added. When the anchor asked him specifically about air purifiers, he brushed them aside, saying they were nothing more than “ameeron ka chonchla,” or a showy habit of wealthy people.
His remarks came as Delhi woke up on Sunday to thick smog that reduced visibility and made breathing uncomfortable. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality index in New Delhi was recorded at 462 early in the morning, which falls in the severe category. All 40 air quality monitoring stations in the city showed red indicators. Areas like Rohini, Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar recorded AQI levels close to 500, which is considered extremely hazardous.
The worsening air prompted authorities to quickly impose stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, moving to higher stages within hours as pollution levels spiked across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and other NCR cities.
Health experts, however, have repeatedly warned against normalising such conditions. Earlier this month, senior cardiologist Dr Alok Chopra said Delhi’s air pollution should never be treated as routine. He advised people to take protective steps such as using air purifiers, wearing N95 masks outdoors and limiting exposure for children and the elderly.
