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Delhi: Air pollution is no longer just a Delhi (Delhi’s ) or Mumbai problem. Now, it has become a threat ingrained in every Indian’s breath. According to the new Lancet report, “Countdown on Health and Climate Change,” air pollution is expected to cause more deaths in the country in 2022. This figure is 38% higher than in 2010. Experts believe that pollution levels in Delhi and Noida increase significantly, especially after festivals. Pollution has been a constant threat in the national capital since October. In such a situation, this report is extremely alarming.
Air pollution has caused more deaths than COVID
According to this Lancet report published in October 2025, rising levels of PM 2.5 have had a serious impact on people’s health. Of these 1.7 million deaths, 44% (approximately 752,000) are attributed to the use of fossil fuels (coal, petrol, and gas). Coal alone caused 394,000 deaths, while petrol used in road transport caused 269,000 deaths. According to experts, air pollution in 2022 caused more deaths than COVID-19, highlighting the scale of this threat.
Delhi’s air is the most toxic
According to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), one in every seven deaths in Delhi is linked to air pollution, meaning approximately 15% of deaths are directly caused by pollution. This toxic air is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and several respiratory diseases. Its long-term effects are also visible on pregnant women and unborn babies.
The economy is also adversely affected
Air pollution is having a profound impact not only on health but also on India’s economy. According to this report, air pollution is expected to cause losses of approximately $339.4 billion (Rs 30 lakh crore) in 2022, which is approximately 9.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
If immediate action is not taken against air pollution, this crisis will worsen in the future and breathing will become dangerous.
