Delhi's Toxic Air: Residents Flee, Economy Suffers, Health Crisis Deepens

• A new report reveals 40% of Delhi residents consider leaving due to severe air pollution, impacting liveability.
• Toxic air reduces life expectancy by 8.2 years and significantly increases risks of stroke, heart disease, and neurological disorders like dementia.
• Air pollution costs India USD 95 billion annually; Delhi alone loses Rs 64,250 crore (5.8% of its GDP).
• Businesses, tourism, and education suffer from suppressed spending, reduced footfall, and annual school closures.
• Experts call for structural reforms, clean mobility, and long-term urban planning, as current stop-gap measures have failed.

Why It Matters: Delhi's air pollution is a severe health and economic crisis demanding urgent, structural, year-round reforms.