“The survey results are shocking, especially for officials who were unaware of the problem. We hope it serves as an eye-opener for the people as well as those in healthcare and help point out the extent of the problem and the importance of raising awareness,” said Garg. In the survey, 21 per cent of respondents reported having a cough at least a few days a month and 8 per cent of them felt their routine work was hampered due to it. The survey, conducted in the mini secretariat — where bureaucrats from various departments work — found that 13 per cent of respondents were smokers. The bureaucrats tested are between 30 and 40 years old. “The survey raises serious questions on the outdoor and indoor air quality of Gurgaon. The official estimates indicate an exponential rise in respiratory diseases in the NCR region. Despite this, very little attention has been paid to respiratory diseases by the authorities or the medical community. The study clearly shows the impact pollution is having on the respiratory health of the residents of Gurgaon,” said Dr Pratibha Dogra, consultant pulmonologist. Data suggests that outdoor air pollution, including ambient air pollution or traffic-related air pollution, and indoor air pollution such as second-hand smoking and biomass fuel combustion exposure are associated with the development of COPD, doctors said. “In Haryana, constant smoking of hookah and beedi among the lower working class has led to problems. In Gurgaon particularly, the ongoing construction at various locations also lead to pulmonary congestion,” said a heath official. The situation is particularly bad in NCR, where recent pollution levels have been reported to be much higher than acceptable on most days of the year. Sometimes the levels are 35 times the limit, the official added. COPD has emerged as one of the most serious health issues. According to World Health Organisation estimates, 65 million people have moderate to severe COPD and it is estimated to become the third leading cause of death by 2030. Estimates suggest there are 30 million COPD patients in the country. Pulmonologists feel that to put the spotlight on the issue, stakeholders will have to conduct outreach activities across NCR and Haryana. Training for physicians to help them identify these problems early and make an impact is also a part of the plan. The organisation will also work closely with the authorities to help strictly implement the smoking cessation laws and work earnestly on controlling pollution, said Dr Prerana, founder of Aviss Health, which organised the camp for bureaucrats. “To achieve best possible outcome we are planning to integrate Yoga with other therapies in treatment protocol,” she said. India is known to contribute a significant and growing percentage of COPD mortality, estimated to be among the highest in the world. T L Satya Prakash, deputy commissioner of Gurgaon, said, “It is noticeable that the health of many here is not good. Efforts are being made. A major disadvantage we have had in Gurgaon is the use of diesel gensets that contributed a lot to polluted ambient air. District administration in the last six months launched a major crackdown on them.” He added that since the working environment was not good, counselling sessions will be organised to make workers aware of these issues. “Plans to include the status of heath in the Annual Confidential Report is also being thought of. Yoga days should be observed more frequently,” added Satya Prakash.