Respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other lung problems caused 9,211 deaths in 2024. This is an increase of approximately 4.7% from 8,801 in 2023, and a 24% increase from 7,432 in 2022.

The effects of the toxic air in Delhi are now clearly visible in the statistics. The number of deaths from respiratory diseases is increasing year after year. This is not a rumor, but the harsh truth revealed in an official Delhi government document. Chapter IV of "Vital Statistics" in the Directorate of Economics and Statistics' Delhi Statistical Handbook 2025 clearly states that respiratory diseases are classified as a separate category in the breakdown of medically certified deaths, and the trend over the past four years is heartbreaking.

Know when and how many deaths occurred?

In 2024, 9,211 deaths were recorded from respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other lung-related problems. This is approximately 4.7% more than the 8,801 deaths in 2023 and 24% higher than the 7,432 deaths in 2022. The most alarming figure is from 2021, the year the second wave of COVID-19 wreaked havoc in the country, and respiratory deaths reached 14,442. While there was some relief after the pandemic, this figure is now rising again, clearly indicating that Delhi's air quality and health system remain critically vulnerable.

What is the government data telling?

The data released by the office of the Chief Registrar (Births & Deaths) is based on registrations collected from the MCD, NDMC, and other bodies. The share of respiratory diseases in total medically certified deaths is around 10% of the total 90,883 certified deaths in 2024, while it was 14.6% in 2021. However, in terms of total deaths (certified + non-certified), a total of 1,39,480 deaths were recorded in Delhi in 2024, of which 85,391 were men, 54,051 were women and 38 were others.

This causes most deaths.

Now, comparing these with other causes, the picture becomes clearer. Circulatory diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes) remain the biggest killers. In 2024, 21,262 deaths were attributed to circulatory diseases, a 35% increase from 15,714 in 2023. Infections and parasitic diseases have declined, accounting for 16,060 deaths in 2024, compared to 20,781 in 2023. Neoplasms, such as cancer, accounted for 5,960 deaths, digestive diseases for 5,200, and other causes for 33,190. Overall, certified deaths reached 90,883 in 2024, up from 88,628 in 2023. This trend suggests that while infectious diseases are being controlled, respiratory and circulatory problems are on the rise, likely due to factors such as pollution, lifestyle, and an aging population.

How is the situation in Delhi?

Every year during November and December, the AQI in Delhi crosses 400-500, and particles like PM2.5 can harm the lungs. Health experts have long warned that chronic respiratory problems are increasing in Delhi, especially among children and the elderly. These respiratory death figures are a wake-up call for policymakers. According to experts, the government should strengthen the Pollution Control Board, increase green corridors, and upgrade respiratory units in hospitals. Otherwise, these numbers will continue to rise, and Delhiites will become increasingly breathless.