From breathing issues to blurry vision: How the air pollution is taking a toll on Gurugram’s traffic cops

The fact that Gurugram’s air quality is among the worst in the country is no secret. While most Gurugrammers have to deal with it only while commuting, or during the odd hours when they step out, there is a section of residents who have to deal with the toxic air almost 14 hours every day. The task of managing traffic at Gurugram’s manic roads is a challenge in itself but over the last two months, traffic cops in the city have to deal with the added problem of air pollution. In a job that requires them to be out on the roads for almost half the day, it is a big challenge. And even as the administration has given all traffic cops N95 anti-pollution masks, cops say that being out on the roads when the air quality of the city is constantly deteriorating has resulted in several of them developing ailments, including cough, breathing issues and blurry vision.
Gurugram cops say that the city’s deteriorating air quality has resulted in several of them developing ailments, including cough, breathing issues and blurry vision

‘Every morning, I feel like my chest is congested’
Traffic Constable Sandeep Kumar works a 14-hour shift at the busy IFFCO Chowk crossing almost seven days a week. Like several other traffic cops in the city, he starts his day at 7am and is usually still managing traffic at the busy intersection till 8-9pm. “I remember that till last year, I had never had any coughing or breathing problems. But now, every morning, I feel like my chest is congested and as if there is dust in my mouth. The work is necessary but it does take a toll on your body,” he tells us.
‘I feel breathless almost all the time’
Other traffic cops from the city have similar stories to share. A traffic cop posted near MG Road tells us, “I live on the fourth floor and till two-three years ago, the stairs without breaking a sweat. Par ab ek-do baar rukna padta hai aur phir bhi saans phool jaati hai. I feel breathless almost all the time.”



‘Anti-pollution masks reduce the amount of poison going in our lungs, but our eyes are still exposed’
The traffic police maintain that the cops on ground are equipped to handle the pollution. Last year, all traffic cops in the city were given N-95 anti-pollution masks. Last week, a corporate from the city – as part of their CSR initiative – distributed more masks to the traffic police. In fact, as per instructions, it is mandatory for the traffic cops to wear the masks they have been given at all times. Sub-Inspector Surender Singh, who is posted at Hero Honda Chowk, says, “The masks help, but only in a limited sense. We are out here 12-14 hours so yes, they reduce the amount of poison going in our lungs but our eyes are still exposed.”
A traffic cop posted at the same crossing adds, “Most of us feel our eyes watering every day. Many have complained of burning sensation in the eyes by evening. The early mornings and evenings are the worst because the pollution and traffic are both at their peak then.”
And while the cops do complain of issues like difficulty in breathing and cough, they say they have become used to most of it. A traffic cop posted at Rajiv Chowk tells us, “After working on the field for so long, you get used to it. Yes, we have some ailments but we have learnt to take that as part of the job now. Kisi ko toh karna hi hai kaam aur pollution toh ekdum se theek hoga nahi.”



‘Fortunately, none of us have fallen ill’
Many cops say that proper management and regular health check-ups have so far ensured that the ailments don’t turn serious. Traffic Constable Rajesh Kumar, who works at Badshahpur, says, “Fortunately, none of us have fallen ill seriously. Yes, we do have some minor issues now and then but nothing major. We have regular health check-ups at the medical centre in Police Lines and the top brass even arranged a health camp for us at a top hospital a month ago. We constantly have minor issues but thankfully, nobody has had serious health concerns so far.”

‘Impossible to whistle wearing a mask’
Several cops say that there are those who refuse to use the masks even though it is mandated. When Gurugram Times visited a few busy intersections in the city on Thursday, we found several cops at Rajiv Chowk and near HUDA City Centre using handkerchiefs to cover their mouths. “I had washed my mask and forgot to bring it along today but then if we don’t cover our mouth, our seniors scold us, so I tied a handkerchief instead,” one cop told us. Others find masks quite restrictive. A cop posted at Rajiv Chowk says, “You can’t talk to your colleague standing across the road and in fact, I feel I can’t breathe when the mask is on. It’s impractical for our work.” Bharat Bhushan, Traffic Constable at Hero Honda Chowk, adds, “We use whistles to control the traffic. It is so loud that we can signal the traffic using the whistle only but if we are wearing the mask, it is impossible to do that. Many guys don’t wear the mask when they are directing traffic. I know it defeats the purpose of the mask but what can we do if it stops us from working effectively.”