Delhi residents woke up to an alarming sight on Thursday morning, as thick smog enveloped the city, bringing with it the worst air quality of the season. On November 14, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of the capital reached a severe level, with Anand Vihar recording a staggering 466 at 10 AM, reported Hindustan Times. This toxic air, often linked to post-Diwali pollution, has caused severe health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
The thick smog is not just an environmental issue but also a public health crisis. The dense fog, described by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as “unprecedented,” has made it difficult for people to even step outside without protective masks.
Aloke Bajpai, CEO of ixigo, has raised concerns about the lack of awareness and the casual attitude of many towards this hazardous air in Delhi. Bajpai pointed out that his children were among the few wearing masks at school, while many others were oblivious to the looming health risks.
“At 500+ AQI, my kids seemed like the only ones wearing masks to school, and a parent asks me – everything OK with your son? Well, everything is not OK with the air these kids are breathing. And then I notice 50+ elderly people in my society on their morning walk. Why is there no public health awareness campaign around this yet ? All you need to do is talk to some lung doctors to understand the looming health crisis. One middle aged uncle shrugs it off saying ‘Ab to hamein immunity hai ji’,” he posted.
Have a look at his post here:
At 500+ AQI, my kids seemed like the only ones wearing masks to school, and a parent asks me – everything OK with your son? Well, everything is not OK with the air these kids are breathing. And then I notice 50+ elderly people in my society on their morning walk. Why is there no…
— Aloke Bajpai (@alokebajpai) November 14, 2024
Many other concerned citizens emphasize the importance of N99 masks and a public health campaign to tackle this growing problem. While relocating might not be a practical solution for everyone, awareness and preventive measures like wearing masks can help in the fight against Delhi’s dangerous air quality.
Here’s what some people had to say:
N99 masks are just essential to step out nowadays. I find myself wearing them when cycling now. Too much dust and I can see a clear difference in how well I sleep.
— kuldeep (@ku1deep) November 14, 2024
Same. Our seven-year-old boy has been one of the few ones masked up at our condo’s school bus stop since past few weeks. Sigh!
— Abhishek Baxi (@baxiabhishek) November 14, 2024
People have normalized breathing the polluted air. The government has not done anything for the past 10 years and now people are also becoming complacent and not revolting or protesting to even compel the government to think of solving this crisis.
— H Arjun (@curated_clarity) November 14, 2024
Exactly , here people are normalizing poor/hazardous air.
Just plain ignorance on how this air is impacting their health.
Masks should be mandatory , it pains to see children smoking this air.
— GRC☀️ (@groyc) November 14, 2024
Unfortunately this is now new “normal” every winter for a few months – people, media and even our elected representatives would talk about smog. Once the winter is over – everyone moves to something or the other. Well we never ask our MLAs, MPs when they come asking for votes.
— Jaspreet Singh (@jsprt20) November 14, 2024
It’s a weird flex to say one’s lungs are so coated with poison that a little more doesn’t hurt. Very Delhi thing, no?
— citizenofIndia (@birdseyeview) November 14, 2024
I was asked the same question in the morning when I dropped my child for the school because we were wearing mask. People are aware but careless.
— Akshay Kohli (@axekohli) November 14, 2024
I send my kid with mask On, but her class teacher asks to remove masks in class. There is no awareness at all
— टैक्स पेई मज़दूर (@z2aaman) November 14, 2024
Stay safe people!