Killer Toxic Air of Delhi NCR: 82% residents surveyed have one or more in close network with a severe health condition due to it; 73% worried about future healthcare costs & 8% intend to leave the city for good

December 15, 2025, New Delhi: The AQI levels in most parts of Delhi-NCR on December 14th were in the 600-1015 range with Noida topping at 1015 as per IQ Air. With literally no farm fires, experts attribute the toxic air to weather conditions and local factors.

Air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region has surged alarmingly since late October 2025. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the area has experienced prolonged periods of “very poor” to “severe” air quality — with many zones breaching the “Severe” threshold. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulates (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀) and toxic gases has triggered a sharp rise in respiratory and related health problems among residents.

In November, major hospitals across the region reported a dramatic surge in patients presenting with throat irritation, persistent cough, wheezing, asthma attacks, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. Children — including those with no prior respiratory conditions — were being admitted to paediatric wards for serious breathing difficulties; many now require nebulisers or more aggressive therapies. Older adults and individuals with pre-existing lung or heart conditions are also experiencing acute exacerbations.

But the concern extends beyond short-term illness: medical experts warn that persistent exposure can impair oxygen intake, weaken immunity, and heighten the risk of chronic lung disease. Long-term exposure is increasingly linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and other non-communicable conditions. According to government-linked data, six major hospitals recorded over 200,000 acute respiratory illness (ARI) cases during 2022–2024 — many attributed to deteriorating air quality.

In Delhi-NCR, air pollution has thus emerged as one of India’s gravest public-health crises. There is growing evidence associating it with a wide spectrum of diseases: chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes; immune dysfunctions; metabolic disorders; developmental and birth complications; neurological decline; and even various cancers.

Every winter, a toxic smog — fuelled by vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, construction dust, crop-residue burning and seasonal fires — envelops the region. Pollution levels regularly exceed safe limits, placing millions at risk. Without immediate, coordinated action by policymakers, industry and citizens — including a shift toward cleaner fuels, sustainable transportation, responsible waste and construction practices — the health burden is likely to escalate further.

To understand how this toxic air over the years has impacted health of residents of Delhi-NCR, LocalCircles conducted a study which received over 34,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 64% respondents were men while 36% respondents were women.

82% of Delhi NCR residents surveyed claim they had/have one or more individuals in their close social network with severe health condition induced due to air pollution; 28% of them have four or more such individuals

The survey in the study asked residents of Delhi NCR, “How many individuals including yourself do / did you have in your close social network (family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, etc.) in Delhi NCR who developed a severe health condition like lung cancer, COPD, asthma, lung damage, heart failure, heart stroke, brain stroke, cognitive decline, reproductive or bone issues, etc., and they attribute it to sustained exposure to polluted air?” Out of 18,090 Delhi NCR residents who responded to the question 27% indicated “1 individual”; 27% of respondents indicated “2-3 individuals”; 18% of respondents indicated "4-6 individuals”; 10% of respondents indicated "7-10 individuals”; and 18% of respondents indicated "none of them, thankfully”. To sum up, 82% Delhi NCR residents surveyed claim they had/have one or more individuals in their close social network with a severe health condition induced due to air pollution; 28% of them have four or more such individuals. The findings just highlight the magnitude of impact of this toxic air over the last 10-12 years.

8% of Delhi-NCR residents surveyed are likely to move out of the city due to toxic air quality

Media reports frequently report about families/ individuals who can afford or have the option of ‘work from home’ moving out of Delhi NCR during winter months to get away from the hazardous air pollution that envelopes the national capital, however most can’t and must continue to reside in the city because of work, family and other reasons. The survey asked residents of Delhi NCR, “Do you and your family intend to continue staying in the Delhi-NCR despite the high levels of air pollution?” Out of 16,454 Delhi NCR residents who responded to the question only 8% stated “No, plan to move out soon” from the national capital and 92% of respondents stated “yes, need to or will”. In essence, 8% of Delhi-NCR residents surveyed are likely to move out of the city due to the toxic air quality.

Given the high levels of pollution, 73% of residents of Delhi-NCR are worried about being able to afford healthcare for themselves and family

The survey next examined whether health issues and healthcare costs are what worries Delhi NCR residents who would like to or are planning to move out of the national capital. To the question “Given the level of air pollution, are you worried about being able to afford healthcare for you and your family in the future if you continue to reside in Delhi NCR” out of 15,138 who responded 73% admitted “yes, very worried”; 9% of respondents stated “yes, somewhat worried” and 18% of respondents stated “no, not worried”. To sum up, given the high levels of pollution, 73% of residents of Delhi-NCR are worried about being able to afford healthcare for themselves and family. Given what residents of Delhi-NCR have been subjected to the last 10-12 years, the Government may have to figure out healthcare solutions that cover this population.

In summary, 82% Delhi NCR residents surveyed claim they had/have one or more individuals in their close social network with a severe health condition induced due to air pollution. In fact, 28% of those surveyed know of four or more such individuals. Concerns for health are evident as 8% of Delhi-NCR residents surveyed stated that they are likely to move out of the city due to toxic air quality, which can lead to several health problems. Additionally, 73% of residents of Delhi-NCR are worried about being able to afford healthcare for themselves and family in the event of falling sick/ getting lifetime diseases or health conditions.

LocalCircles plans to share findings of this report with various stakeholders in the Government so actions can be taken on two fronts 1) To consider providing some type of health cover for this population and 2) To take immediate actions in mission mode to address the various causes that keep the air in Delhi-NCR toxic. If Beijing can do it, Delhi can to. It is a matter of intent and action which has been missing.