Delhi’s air continues to remain toxic with AQI levels rising into the danger zone. The AQI reportedly crossed 400 in several parts of the city today. Due to deteriorating air quality, residents are forced to leave the capital due to health problems. Among those who have left is Anuradha Tiwari, CEO of content writing company JustBurstout, who claimed she spent her “month’s salary” just to see clear skies.
Tiwari, known on social media for voicing her views on issues such as caste reservations, shared a picture of a bright blue sky – which many commented was taken in Paris, Europe. The photo shows a peaceful scene of a city canal under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. Tiwari added that the AQI there was only “10”.
Tiwari called Delhi a “gas chamber” and said breathing clean air has now become a “luxury”.
Reactions of users of social networks
Tiwari’s post sparked a wave of reactions online, with many users questioning her decision to travel abroad.
One user wrote, “What was the need to spend an entire month’s salary? You could have come to Mussoorie by spending just three days’ salary – AQI here is only 30-40.”
Another commented: “You could have come to my hometown in Bihar. I would have shown you an even brighter sky.”
A third user added: “Have you tried Uttarakhand? That must have cost you more.” ₹20,000.”
Others were more skeptical. One said: “Don’t be fake, you went on a fun trip, not just to see clear skies. You don’t have to go to Europe – go to Mussoorie, North East or any southern city and you’ll find the same skies.”
Another user commented: “I think this is Paris. 40 AQI is normal in many places in India. Flex post.”
Stubble burning the main cause of toxic air
The Decision Support System (DSS), a forecasting model under the Department of Earth Sciences, said stubble burning was the main cause of toxic air in Delhi on Wednesday, contributing 22.47% to the city’s PM2.5 levels – more than vehicular emissions, which accounted for 15.5%.
Restrictions under GRAP Phase 3
Meanwhile, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Phase 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region (NCR). Non-essential construction and demolition activities were banned within these curbs and BS-III petrol and diesel four-wheelers were restricted in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida. Schools have also been affected, with the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) ordering classes up to Class 5 to shift to hybrid or online learning until further notice.
