Jonty Rhodes, the former South African cricket star, has stirred discussions about the deteriorating air quality in Delhi as winter approaches. On a recent trip, Rhodes noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital dropped to ‘severe’ levels, with readings surpassing 400 in various areas. This alarming situation has prompted many residents to express their frustration on social media, posting videos that showcase how quickly their air purifier filters are becoming clogged with pollutants.
Taking to social media, Rhodes shared stark images contrasting the pollution levels between Delhi and his home in Goa, where he spends considerable time. He voiced his concerns, questioning what steps can be taken to enhance air quality during the winter months. “Passing through Delhi en route to Ranchi this evening, and as always, it’s hard to digest the low levels of air quality here. Am grateful to be living in a small fishing village in South Goa #AQI #whats2Bdone,” he tweeted during his transit through Delhi.
In another post, he highlighted the clear skies in Goa, which allow his children to play football outdoors, a stark contrast to the advice in Delhi, where doctors recommend limiting outdoor activities due to bad air quality. He shared a memorable sunset picture from Goa, stating, “This is what my ‘home’ sunsets look like – and yes, those are my kids playing football! In Delhi they suggest staying indoors.”
Reactions to Rhodes’ observations were mixed, with some Twitter users agreeing with his sentiments, while others noted a lack of local athletes voicing similar concerns. One user lamented the difficulty of enjoying Delhi due to its air quality, expressing a decision to book a direct flight to Amritsar instead of enduring the hazardous environment.
Amidst the public concern, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reported that there is no need to escalate to Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the Delhi-NCR region, as the air quality has shown improvement. The daily average AQI was noted to have decreased, reporting figures of 370 and 365 later in the afternoon. Despite ongoing concerns, forecasts suggest the AQI may remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the coming days, prompting continued implementation of current measures under Stages I and II across the National Capital Region.
This discourse on air quality emphasizes the importance of addressing pollution, especially during the winter months when conditions can become more severe. The involvement of public figures like Rhodes in the conversation highlights a growing awareness and concern for environmental issues that affect health and quality of life.