Delhi recorded a significant rise in deaths linked to respiratory illnesses in 2024, according to newly released government figures.
The national capital logged 9,211 fatalities from respiratory diseases last year, up from 8,801 in 2023, continuing a recent upward trend in breathing‑related mortality. Common conditions driving these deaths include asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer and tuberculosis.
The overall number of deaths in Delhi also increased in 2024, reaching 1,39,480 from 1,32,391 the previous year. Circulatory diseases such as heart attacks and strokes remained the leading cause of death, followed by infectious and parasitic diseases. The rise in overall mortality was reflected in the city’s death rate, which edged upward even as the number of live births declined compared with 2023.
Infant mortality showed a slight improvement, with the rate falling to 22.4 per 1,000 live births from 23.61 the year before. The demographic breakdown of registered deaths shows a higher number among males than females, with a small number classified under other genders.
These trends highlight persistent health challenges in the capital, where respiratory and cardiovascular diseases account for a substantial share of deaths, even as some indicators such as infant mortality show gradual progress.
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