Families Seek Refuge from Delhi's Toxic Smog in Goa

As hazardous air quality plagues Delhi, families like Saurabh Bhasin's have migrated to Goa seeking cleaner air for their children's health. This trend highlights the urgent need for effective pollution control measures as many residents remain trapped in the smog-laden environment.

The toxic air that blankets Delhi during winter months has forced some families to abandon the capital and seek refuge in cleaner destinations. Saurabh Bhasin, a corporate lawyer, made the difficult decision to leave Delhi for Goa after his daughter was diagnosed with asthma, a direct consequence of the city's worsening air quality. Born and raised in Delhi, Bhasin once loved the winter months, but his nostalgia has now turned into deep concern due to hazardous pollution levels that disrupt everyday life.

In 2015, Bhasin filed a petition to the Supreme Court advocating for a ban on firecrackers, which contribute significantly to pollution during festivals. Despite some regulatory successes, air quality in Delhi has continued to decline. Alarmingly, by November 2022, Bhasin's daughter's health became compromised, prompting the family to move approximately 2,000 km away to Goa.

While families with the financial means like Bhasin's can make this move, millions in Delhi remain trapped in the smog, unable to escape their livelihoods. Bhasin acknowledges the limitations of relocating but believes the air quality in Goa is a far better option for his daughter’s health.

The situation in Delhi has grown increasingly dire, with pollution levels often reaching hazardous standards, prompting health officials to recommend limited outdoor activity for vulnerable populations. Scientific studies indicate that chronic exposure to such pollution can reduce life expectancy by nearly a decade, leading many residents to adopt drastic measures.

Among those temporarily fleeing Delhi is Rekha Mathur, who relocates to Dehradun during the winter months. With a newborn, Mathur feels compelled to stay away longer, but the separation from her working husband is challenging, as they strive to maintain ties with the community they have built in Delhi. She worries about the ongoing battle with pollution extending to areas beyond the city.

The Indian Supreme Court has been actively involved in addressing Delhi’s pollution for decades, yet tangible improvements remain elusive, leading to widespread frustration. Authorities have implemented temporary measures such as construction restrictions and emissions controls, but change appears slow and minimal.

Journalists and former residents like Om Thanvi express their concerns about the systemic delays in creating effective solutions. Having moved to Rajasthan for a healthier environment, he recognizes the gap in resources and sustainable solutions available for those who cannot afford to leave.

While affluent families can escape, individuals like Sarita Devi, who migrated years ago from Patna for labor work, feel trapped. She faces the harsh reality of needing to work outdoors, irrespective of the polluted condition, making relocation unfeasible.

Ultimately, the stories of families forced to seek refuge from Delhi's toxic air expose a broader public health crisis that requires urgent attention to environmental policy and community wellbeing. For many like Bhasin, the choice to leave was a painful yet necessary step toward ensuring a healthier future for their children.