Caleb Friesen, a Canadian national residing in India, has undertaken three significant relocations within the country since 2018, driven by a pressing concern over India's worsening air pollution and its potential impact on his children's health. Friesen's journey from Delhi to Bengaluru and most recently to Aizawl, Mizoram, underscores a growing challenge for urban dwellers.
Seeking Cleaner Air for His Family
Friesen initially left Delhi in 2018 after experiencing what he described as PM2.5 readings of 999 or higher during the winter months. This alarming level of particulate matter prompted his first move, seeking respite in Bengaluru, often referred to as India's 'Garden City', in hopes of finding a healthier environment.
However, according to Friesen, Bengaluru's air quality also continued to deteriorate. Facing persistent air quality concerns, he made the decision in early 2026 to relocate once more, this time to Aizawl in Mizoram, where his wife's family resides. This move was explicitly driven by his desire to protect his two children from the adverse health effects of severe air pollution.
“I'm glad I relocated. I didn't want to take a risk and end up with asthmatic children,” Friesen shared in a social media post, highlighting his personal stake in the issue.
Beyond Individual Solutions: A Call for Public Guarantee
While his decision was personal, Friesen also voiced a broader concern: why should citizens be compelled to leave major metropolitan areas and retreat to the hills simply to breathe clean air? He advocates for a fundamental guarantee of clean air for every Indian citizen.
Friesen acknowledged efforts by companies working on air purification, citing Mumbai-based Praan as an example. He highlighted their filterless air-purification technology, which captures particles in a collection chamber without chemical alteration. This technology, he noted, could allow industrial customers to reuse captured dust as raw material, suggesting potential for both environmental and economic benefits. He expressed hope that such solutions could eventually be scaled to a city level.
India's Significant Air Pollution Challenge
Friesen also drew attention to the sheer scale of India's air pollution problem. He referenced IQAir data, claiming that 29 of the world's 50 cities with the worst air pollution are located in India. Furthermore, he contrasted urban PM2.5 levels, which can reach around 1,000 on a bad day in Delhi, with industrial pollution, where a poorly optimized Indian steel factory could record levels approaching 100,000 on an average day due to suspended dust.
These figures, presented by Friesen, serve to illustrate the severe impact of both urban and industrial emissions. While specific readings can vary based on monitoring conditions, his account underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat air pollution across India.