Last update:November 20, 2024, 11:06 AM IST

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, a Scottish historian living in Delhi for 40 years shared a post that caught the attention of social media users.

People are asked to leave their homes only if necessary. (Photo credits:

Poor air quality is a recurring problem in Delhi NCR. Several factors such as vehicular pollution, firecrackers and stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana contribute to this problem. This year, air quality levels have become alarming with the AQI crossing the 500 mark in many places in Ghaziabad, Delhi, Noida and Gurugram. Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, a Scottish historian living in Delhi for 40 years shared a post that caught the attention of social media users. In his message, he mentioned that he was sad to see “one of the most fascinating cities” turning into a “tragic and suffocating death trap.”

Speaking to X, the historian wrote: “I have just returned to Delhi and find the city embalmed in a shroud of pollution enveloping everything. Even at 2 p.m., it’s impossible to see 100 m on the other side of the track. » He added: “I have never seen anything like this in the forty years that I have lived here. What a fate for the City of Jinn – and yet, at its best, the most fascinating of cities, but currently a tragic and suffocating death trap. The historian also shared a pictorial graph reflecting the state of air pollution in different Indian cities. The graph suggests that an average Indian breathes smoke from 8 cigarettes every day due to low AQI levels.

Many social media users around the world reacted to this post. While some point to similar conditions at home, others question the reasons for Delhi’s devastating air quality levels.

Sharing his opinion, a user said, “Delhi’s charm is undeniable, but the current pollution levels are devastating. It’s sad to see such a vibrant city suffocated by air.”

Reacting to the post, a user said, “It’s time for central and state governments to act with scientists and farmers to find real solutions. Delhi deserves to breathe again.”

Sharing suggestions for reducing pollution, one user noted: “Pollution caused by motorized vehicles is underestimated. Tire dust is a major contributor. Radical overhaul of essential infrastructure to make walking safe and convenient. The huge road space, flyovers, etc. induce MT traffic. Lane reserved for buses and urgent emergency vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has asked schools in Delhi NCR to go online in view of the deteriorating air quality in the national capital and neighboring areas till November 23. The Delhi University administration also announced the cancellation of physical classes on November 18 due to air pollution. .