One London tech professional’s blunt advice to “leave Delhi” has sparked online debate as the city battles another season of dangerous air. Kunal Kushwaha, lead developer advocate at Cast.ai, recently returned to the capital and said the pollution had an immediate and painful impact on his body.
After living in London for several years, he wrote on X that landing in Delhi was like pollution “tasting and smelling” with every breath. Even at an AQI of 200—which residents often consider “normal”—he felt a sore throat and a stinging sensation in his lungs.
Describing the aviation crisis as “unbearable”, Kushwaha urged people to move out of Delhi even if it means going into debt. He added that he had already cut short his trip to India due to deteriorating conditions.
However, while many users agreed with his assessment of toxic air, they argued that relocation is not a realistic solution for most people.
“‘Quit Delhi’ is great advice for the small percentage that can. The rest of us need a fix for the air, not a relocation plan,” wrote one user.
Another commented: “Leaving is not an option for 99% of us. Most of us are stuck here because work, family – everything is connected to this city.”
A third user compared the situation to major world cities:
“I agree! Surprisingly, Shanghai has a better AQI score than even Santiago! While one might think that Santiago has cleaner air (which it does), there is a layer of smog as I walked the Andes from manufacturing and construction.”
Several users also shared their own respiratory problems and urged the authorities to take stronger measures. Several said they also made major life decisions — including relocation — only because of the air quality crisis.
