New Delhi: Delhi-NCR, long regarded as one of India's major destinations for career opportunities and professional growth, is facing a growing challenge as worsening air pollution prompts some professionals and entrepreneurs to relocate to other cities. For many, the decision is no longer driven only by salaries or career prospects but also by concerns about health, family life and the quality of the environment.
The sentiment is reflected in the words of an academic who moved to Bengaluru: “I can buy water and electricity, but I cannot buy air.” His remark captures the frustration of people who feel that access to clean air has become a major concern in the national capital region.
Professionals Choosing Other Cities Aman Raj, a former IT professional who worked with American Express, moved from Gurugram to Pune in March 2026. He said dust and pollution had affected his outdoor activities and caused throat irritation whenever he returned to Delhi from his hometown.
Similarly, marketing agency founder Neeraj Sancheti moved from Gurugram to Siliguri in 2024. Frequent illnesses affecting his young daughter and restrictions on children's outdoor activities influenced his decision. He now operates his business remotely.
Digital entrepreneur Amit Gupta chose Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar after returning from the United States in March 2026. He cited traffic congestion, vehicle emissions, dust and deteriorating infrastructure as major concerns.
Academic Kartikeya Batra, who completed his doctoral studies in the United States, chose a university position in Bengaluru partly because of Delhi's pollution. He said spending several months indoors with masks and air purifiers had become a difficult reality.
Health and Quality of Life Take Priority
The experiences highlight how prolonged exposure to polluted air, particularly during winter, is influencing residential and professional choices. Remote working has made relocation easier for some, although leaving Delhi-NCR also means moving away from established professional networks, friends and family.
As pollution continues to affect everyday life, clean air is increasingly becoming an important factor in decisions about where to work, live and raise children.
Hashtags: #DelhiState #Delhi #Toxic #Air #Pushes #Professionals #Leave #Ncr #Better #ToxicAirPushesProfessionals
