Shocking Survey: 80% of NCR Residents Forced to Consider Leaving Due to Toxic Air

The air quality in Delhi–NCR is deteriorating every single day, and its impact on public health is becoming painfully visible. A new survey by Smytten PulseAI has revealed alarming findings that can worry any resident. The report states that over 80% of people in the region are suffering from persistent cough, fatigue, and breathing irritation caused by pollution.

68% Needed Medical Help

According to the survey, 68.3% of residents had to seek medical assistance in the past year due to pollution-linked illnesses. Experts warn that Delhi’s air pollution is no longer a seasonal issue—it has turned into a permanent and severe health crisis.

76% Reduced Outdoor Activities

The toxic air has forced people to significantly limit their outdoor activities.

• 76.4% have cut down their daily outdoor movement.
• Many parents hesitate to send their children to school.
• Smog-filled, foul-smelling air has left people feeling trapped inside their own homes.

The study, conducted among 4,000 residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad, shows that the region is now battling not external threats, but the dangers of its own polluted air.

Nearly 80% Planning to Leave NCR

The most alarming finding is that 79.8% of respondents have either left NCR already or are seriously planning to move out.

• 33.6% have made a firm decision to relocate.
• 31% are actively exploring options.
• 15.2% have already shifted to other cities.

Families have begun searching for new homes, schools, and jobs in cleaner cities.

Hill Cities Becoming Top Choice

People now prefer areas with clean air, low pollution, and where they no longer need to check the AQI app before stepping out.

• Hill stations
• Smaller, less industrial towns

These are emerging as the new favourites for relocation.

Heavy Financial Burden on Middle-Class Families

Pollution has also increased the financial load on Delhi-NCR’s middle class:

• 85.3% say their household expenses have increased.
• 41.6% face severe financial stress.

Costs for masks, air purifiers, medicines, and frequent doctor visits have disturbed family budgets.

Experts Sound the Alarm

Swagat Sarangi, Co-founder of Smytten PulseAI, said:
“This study shows that bad air is no longer only a health issue. It is affecting quality of life, jobs, expenses, and even where people choose to live. Pollution has become a lifestyle crisis.”