Rahul Gandhi Warns: Air Pollution Killing Health and Economy Alike

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has voiced grave concerns regarding the escalating air pollution crisis in India. In a powerful statement, he highlighted that the impact of toxic air extends far beyond physical health, striking at the very heart of the nation's economy. Gandhi emphasized that every citizen is paying a heavy price for this environmental. Failure, with the burden falling disproportionately on the most vulnerable sections of society.

The Economic Toll on the Poor

Rahul Gandhi pointed out that air pollution is a silent killer of livelihoods. He specifically mentioned construction workers and daily wage laborers whose earnings are directly hit when pollution-related restrictions are imposed. "Pollution isn't just infecting lungs; it's swallowing the hard-earned money of the poor," Gandhi remarked. The cost of healthcare for respiratory ailments further pushes marginalized families into a. Cycle of debt and poverty, making it a dual crisis of health and wealth.

Vulnerable Groups at Maximum Risk

The Congress leader stressed that children and the elderly are the primary victims of this man-made disaster. He warned that the long-term effects on children's respiratory health could lead to a generation of citizens with compromised physical well-being. By urging the public to raise their voices now, he emphasized that waiting for the next winter to address the issue would be a fatal mistake. He called for immediate collective action to ensure a breathable future for the next generation.

Delhi AQI Improves After 100 Days

In a rare moment of relief, the air quality in Delhi-NCR showed significant improvement after nearly 100 days of hazardous levels. Heavy rainfall on Friday acted as a natural cleanser, washing away the thick layer of smog that had blanketed the region. By Sunday afternoon, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 155, a stark contrast to the 'severe' levels seen previously. While residents welcomed the clear skies, experts warn that this is merely a temporary respite caused by weather patterns rather than systemic changes.

We are paying a heavy price for air pollution - with our health and with our economy. Crores of ordinary Indians bear this burden every day.

Children and the elderly suffer the most. Livelihoods, especially of construction workers and daily wage earners are severely impacted.…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 25, 2026

Data Reveals a Grim Reality

According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Delhi's air quality had been consistently poor since mid-October 2025, while the data shows that between October 1 and October 13, there were only nine days when pollution levels were manageable. From October 14 onwards, the situation turned critical, while rahul Gandhi has shared a platform for citizens to document their struggles with pollution, aiming to build a narrative that forces the government to move beyond temporary fixes and towards sustainable environmental policies.