Double Trouble in Ghaziabad: Toxic Air and Soaring Expenses Leave Residents Gasping — Families Forced to Move Out

By Akhand Pratap Singh, Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad, one of India’s most polluted cities, continues to choke under toxic air as its Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 345 on Sunday — nearly five times above the safe limit. Despite repeated administrative meetings and crores spent on pollution control, the situation remains grim. Residents are now battling not only health issues but also rising household expenses, forcing many to consider relocating.

City Suffocates Under Toxic Air

For years, Ghaziabad has consistently ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the country. Over the past two days, AQI levels have remained above 300, with Vasundhara recording 411, Loni 369, Sanjay Nagar 330, and Indirapuram 310. Experts blame burning garbage, construction dust, and stubble smoke as the main culprits.

‘Smog Tax’ Hits Family Budgets

Residents are calling it a ‘smog tax’ — the additional financial burden they bear due to toxic air. Doctor visits, costly medicines, air purifiers, and higher electricity bills are draining pockets. A recent NCR survey revealed that 33% of residents now spend significantly more on healthcare because of air pollution.

Case Study 1: Paying to Breathe Clean Air

Lajpat Nagar resident M.B. Karuna said her 75-year-old mother recently underwent knee replacement surgery. “Doctors advised us to avoid infection, so I purchased a ₹15,000 air purifier this month. But running it 24 hours a day increases electricity costs. I’m now considering sending my mother to Hyderabad for her recovery,” she said.

Case Study 2: Health Costs Forcing Families to Leave

Vikrant Sharma, a resident of Rajnagar Extension, shared, “My eyes burn constantly, and my 10-year-old son suffers from allergies. My father, a heart patient, is vulnerable to infections. Between medicines and air purifiers, our monthly expenses have shot up. If this continues, we’ll have to move out of Ghaziabad.”

Pollution Weakening Bones, Not Just Lungs

The health crisis is deepening. According to Dr. Alok Rajan of District MMG Hospital, toxic air is now weakening bones in addition to damaging lungs. “Polluted air reduces oxygen levels and hinders nutrition flow to bones, causing fatigue and pain,” he explained.

Authorities Promise Action — Again

Regional Officer Ankit Kumar of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) said that following a review meeting led by the Minister of State in Greater Noida, a comprehensive plan to curb pollution will soon be prepared and circulated to all departments. “Regular monitoring will be ensured,” he added.

As Ghaziabad continues to gasp under a blanket of smog, its residents are paying the price — both with their health and hard-earned money — while waiting for clean air to become a reality.