Toxic air drives families to leave Delhi amid growing health fears

A winter of smog and suffering

Every winter, Delhi is covered by a thick, grey smog caused by crop burning, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust. Levels of PM2.5 particles, tiny pollutants that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, often reach 60 times the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). These figures highlight a public health crisis with serious consequences for residents.

Ineffective measures and mounting death toll

Although measures such as partial vehicle bans and water-spraying trucks have been implemented, local authorities have not succeeded in achieving lasting improvements. Even the recently proposed cloud-seeding trials have been met with scepticism regarding their practicality and political will. A Lancet Planetary Health study revealed that 3.8 million deaths in India between 2009 and 2019 were linked to air pollution, emphasising the urgency of reform.

Children and families at risk

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that polluted air seriously endangers children's health, leading to more respiratory infections and developmental delays. Families face a difficult decision, either pursuing careers in the capital or prioritising their children’s well-being. The psychological toll of living in a polluted environment has left many residents anxious and disillusioned.

A call for collective action

Experts emphasise that genuine progress relies on systemic change, including stricter emissions standards, investment in green technologies, and expanded public transport. As Delhi continues to suffocate under its toxic haze, the need for decisive leadership and citizen engagement has never been more urgent.