According to a scientist at the Pollution Control Board, the permissible limit of RSPM is 50 micrograms per cubic metre. However, it has been recorded above 100 micrograms per cubic metre in Gurgaon. The major causes of high RSPM are increasing usage of diesel generators, rapid construction and vehicular pollution. High RSPM can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma. Continuous exposure to it can also cause lung cancer and increases the risk of cardiac attack. "We receive at least 30 to 40 % cases of respiratory complaints in the OPD every day. Five to six patients come with chronic cough which persists for more than three weeks and does not respond to normal anti-allergens. This is definitely a matter of worry," said Dr Satish Koul of Columbia Asia Hospital.

Dr Tapan Ghosh, cardiologist at Paras Hospital said, "Compared to Delhi, cases of high blood pressure, respiratory and cardiac diseases are higher in Gurgaon. The main reason is that half of the city is under construction. Vehicular pollution is increasing. Besides, people don't step out as there are no good parks here. This has resulted in the limited exposure to Vitamin D which causes several diseases," he said.

Calling for more attention to the environment, Vivek Kamboj, who runs NGO Haryali, said, "Delhi has more parks than land for residential and commercial use. But in Gurgaon, we have more land which unfortunately is always sold to the builders."