A couple who lived in Bengaluru for two years has decided to move out, blaming the city’s deteriorating air quality for their declining health. They explained their decision in a now-viral video, which has since sparked debate online.

Aswin and Aparna, both 27, working in the corporate sector and building their brand, recently posted the video on Instagram explaining why they were relocating from Bengaluru despite loving its weather, energy, and community.

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They said they had no complaints about the vibe of the city, except for the one thing that kept making them sick: the air.

In the now-viral video, the couple opened with a striking line: “You might hate us, but Bangaluru is slowly killing us.”

They explained that over time, they began falling ill frequently. “I developed breathing issues and allergies,” said Aswin. “And I, who doesn’t even catch a cold, am always coughing and sneezing,” Aparna added.

Although they made lifestyle changes, including switching to healthy food and regular workouts, their health issues didn’t improve. That’s when they began checking the city’s Air Quality Index.

“People say Bangalore has fresh air and great weather, but does it really?” Aparna asked.

In February, the AQI reportedly hit 297, a level considered “very unhealthy” and alarmingly close to “hazardous”. For the couple, this was a wake-up call.

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“Namma Bengaluru is amazing. Even to start a business, it’s the best place to be. But we had to make this choice as soon as possible. Before the city could sink us in, we left Bangalore,” they explained in the video.

Despite having their work and social circle rooted in Bengaluru, they said their health took precedence.

Watch the video here:

The video, which has clocked nearly 1 million views so far, has sparked a debate. Several users supported the couple’s arugument, but not everyone agreed with the couple’s decision.

Several users accused them of contributing to the city’s overpopulation before criticising it.

“Thank you for leaving. Makes the air that much fresher for the rest of us,” wrote one user.

“Please leave, Bangalore was just fine before people started moving here for work and overcrowding the city. Also, the part you’re calling Bangalore isn’t even Bangalore, it’s an extention to accomodate the crowd over the years. Try exploring the actual Bangalore,” another user added.

Others, however, came to the couple’s defence.

“As a Bangalorean, y’all in the comments section gotta stop taking this so personally, and instead try to make our city safer for everyone,” a user said, while another added,

“Everyone hating on your post when they should be raising issues and holding the govt accountable is exactly what’s wrong with our citizens. Hope you will feel better elsewhere.”

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See the comments here:

While their decision may have ruffled feathers, Aswin and Aparna’s story resonated with several urban residents battling similar concerns, raising a larger question: when does love for a city stop being enough if it’s hurting your health?

Published By: Akshita Singh Published On: Jun 22, 2025