New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- Delhi-NCR has long attracted people seeking better jobs. For some professionals and business owners, everyday life now weighs more heavily on that decision. Pollution, dust and poor infrastructure are pushing them to consider other cities. This year, Delhi's air quality slipped into the severe category even five days after Diwali.

Aman Raj once spent hours practising cricket in the nets. As a school student, he played professionally for Bihar. At Delhi University, he enjoyed roadside momos and shawarma. Over time, outdoor exercise made him sick, and dust put him off street food.

Even a morning car wash could barely get him through the day. By evening, his car was dusty again. A public park stood just across from hi...