Parkgoers in New Delhi’s Lodhi Garden say toxic pollution won’t force them out

For many in New Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted cities, Lodhi Garden is an escape in the heart of India’s capital. Park regulars say they will not let rising pollution levels deter them – even if they have to tweak their routine because of the smog.

The park is one of hundreds dotting the city. Those who love it say what makes it special is a combination of nature and other visitors – you are never lonely even when you are alone.

For others, it’s the nostalgia for bygone times. Generations of the same family have walked the trail circling the park – a habit passed down, a habit that has become a tradition.

On any given day, retired bureaucrats walk in groups, discussing politics. Yoga practitioners meet for their dose of wellness and an aspiring marathon runner whizzes by. Young couples look for privacy behind trees while those more senior openly hold hands. On weekends, the park’s gardens spill over with picnickers.

But as a toxic blanket of smog engulfed the city this month and New Delhi’s air quality officially fell into the “severe” category, some of the park regulars shared how this has affected their daily routine.