How Pollution In City Has A Generation Under Siege

New Delhi: A new report by Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group has found that air pollution in Delhi-NCR is deeply affecting children's physical health, mental well-being, education and daily lives.Based on responses from 1,257 children aged 6-15 years across Delhi-NCR, conducted during the peak pollution period (Dec 2025 to Jan 2026), the report revealed that 86% of the children said air pollution harms their health. Nearly 44% visited a doctor since Oct 2025, and many required more than one visit for breathing problems, cough, headaches and fatigue.
The report, titled ‘A generation under siege', said around 77% of the children said polluted air makes them anxious, irritated, fearful or distressed. About 46.6% said they would choose to leave Delhi-NCR if given the option."Air pollution is not affecting children alone; most report that their parents, siblings and grandparents are also falling ill. Around 55% of the children missed school because of pollution-related health problems, showing that polluted air is quietly disrupting education as much as it damages lungs," said the report.When the air turns toxic, children do try to protect themselves. Almost 85% used some form of protection, 39% used N95 masks or air purifiers, while 37% stayed indoors or avoided outdoor activities."However, only a small number believed these measures are fully effective. About 85% still reported symptoms such as eye irritation, cough, headaches and tiredness even after taking precautions," said the report.It added that the pattern suggests that many children are compelled to continue daily routines, such as commuting to school, playing outside or attending activities, even during severe pollution episodes.The report emphasis-ed that the findings point to an urgent need to re-cen-tre air pollution policy around children's health and lived experience."Children's exposure must be acknowledged explicitly in planning and communication, moving beyond city-level averages to understanding what children are breathing at home, in schools and on their daily routes. This calls for specific measurement around schools and residential areas, and improved, denser air quality monitoring across NCR. The data should be freely available and used to act on improving air quality, children's exposure and health," said the report.It recommended that schools must play a stronger role, not only in awareness but in protection, with enforceable standards for clean indoor air, safe outdoor activity guidelines and access to preventive measures that do not depend on household resources.Speaking at the event, Bharati Chaturvedi, founder and director of Chintan, said, "Air pollution demands systemic change. But this cannot be done without science-based information."