Former South African cricket star Jonty Rhodes has ignited a fresh conversation about Delhi's alarming air pollution levels, drawing a notable response from Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. The exchange occurred on social media platform X after Rhodes expressed shock at the city's air quality while travelling through the national capital.
Social Media Exchange Highlights Pollution Crisis
While en route to Ranchi on Sunday, Jonty Rhodes shared a picture from his flight with a caption that read, "Passing through Delhi en route to Ranchi this evening, and as always, it's hard to digest the low levels of air quality here." The former cricket legend, who now resides in South Goa with his family, contrasted his experience with life in his coastal home, stating his gratitude for living in "a small fishing village in South Goa."
In the comments section, Rhodes further emphasized the difference by sharing an image of a clear sunset in Goa with his children playing football, noting that in Delhi, authorities recommend "staying indoors."
Paytm Founder's Reaction and Worsening Air Quality
Responding to the post, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma acknowledged the global attention on Delhi's pollution crisis. He wrote, "Jonty Rhodes now lives in South Goa !! Aur ab Delhi ki Air Quality ke charche to global hain…. Usska Kya hi kahain" (Jonty Rhodes now lives in South Goa !! And now, Delhi's air quality is being talked about globally…what more can we say about it?).
His comments come as Delhi's air quality continues to deteriorate significantly. On Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) worsened to 391, firmly placing it in the "very poor" category according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Residents reported waking up to smog-blanketed skies, experiencing burning eyes and breathing difficulties.
Public Response and Market Reactions
The post reached numerous X users who shared diverse perspectives on the situation. While one user expressed cautious optimism, noting that air quality was better than in previous years, another shared a picture of Gurgaon's obscured skyline despite sunny conditions.
A significant concern raised by netizens focused on the accessibility of air purification solutions. One individual called for "an affordable Air purifier" and a "disruptive move" in the sector to help citizens cope with the pollution crisis.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, major air purifier brands including Philips, Winix, Honeywell, Coway, Xiaomi, Eureka Forbes, and AGARO have begun offering substantial discounts of up to 61% in the Indian market. Prices for these essential devices now start as low as ₹4,998, making them somewhat more accessible to residents struggling with the pollution.
Unfortunately, meteorological forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) predict that Delhi's air quality is likely to remain in the "very poor" category for the coming days, offering little respite to the city's inhabitants.
