Delhi's Air: A Silent Killer

Delhi faces a persistent health crisis, with respiratory diseases increasingly contributing to mortality. From 2016 to 2024, the city recorded over 80,000 deaths from respiratory ailments, making it the third-leading cause of death. While COVID-19 caused a spike in 2021, numbers have since returned to pre-pandemic levels, yet continue to climb.

Public health experts strongly attribute Delhi's high respiratory disease load to chronic exposure to air pollution. Persistent high levels of particulate matter, vehicle emissions, and other pollutants, especially during winter, lead to long-term lung damage, increasing vulnerability to diseases like asthma and COPD.

This environmental risk is compounded by dense living conditions and healthcare access issues. The winter pollution spikes don't just cause immediate symptoms but worsen existing conditions throughout the year, highlighting how the city's air has become intrinsically linked to its residents' health.