In smog-choked New Delhi, enterprising oxygen bar soothes residents’ lungs – for a price

Concentrations of the most harmful airborne pollutants in the Indian capital are regularly about 20 times the World Health Organisation safe limit

But now its residents can enjoy a breath of fresh air – in seven different flavours – for US$4.17 per 15-minute session

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An employee prepares aromatic oxygen flasks at the Oxy Pure bar in New Delhi. Photo: EPA

Published: 3:46pm, 20 Nov 2019Updated: 11:26pm, 20 Nov 2019

With New Delhi engulfed in toxic smog, a new establishment offering people a breath of fresh air is proving popular in the Indian capital.

Over the past fortnight, the city has seen a public health crisis, with authorities twice declaring a pollution emergency and shutting schools while advising the elderly and infants to stay indoors.

Concentrations of the most harmful airborne pollutants in the a city of 25 million are regularly about 20 times the World Health Organisation safe limit as industrial pollution and vehicle exhaust fumes – combined with smoke from crop stubble burning – cast a toxic pall over the metropolis.

But at Oxy Pure customers can inhale 80-90 per cent pure oxygen infused with essential oils such as peppermint, cinnamon, lavender and lemongrass for 299 rupees (US$4.17) per 15-minute session.

Nishika Waghela, 33, breathes in oxygen mixed with different scents at Oxy Pure. Photo: Reuters

The oxygen bar was launched in May by Aryavir Kumar and Margarita Kuritsyana, and supplies its scented air through lightweight tubes placed under the customers’ nostrils.