Air pollution levels in key Indian metro areas have reached alarming levels: New Delhi recorded an AQI of 268, Kolkata 299, Ahmedabad 127 and Chennai 121, according to live monitoring. The elevated particulate levels are causing rising respiratory issues among urban working populations, reducing attendance and productivity in service and manufacturing sectors. The growing demand on both public and private health infrastructure is drawing resources away from other economic activities, and companies are now factoring in increased sick-leave and protective equipment costs. Analysts say recurrent air-quality crises may impose hidden drag on GDP growth unless mitigation and adaptation measures are accelerated.