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A single picture of purifier filter captures terrifying reality of air pollution in Gurgaon

The concerning picture of the purifier filter has prompted an intense discussion about the quality of air in Gurgaon.

Published on: Nov 4, 2025, 07:59:26 IST
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A picture captured in Gurgaon, the city synonymous with India's corporate boom, has handed a harsh environmental reality check. An X user shared a photo of an air purifier completely clogged with dirt and dust.

An air purifier filter clogged by dust and dirt. (X/@Lostinreverie7)
An air purifier filter clogged by dust and dirt. (X/@Lostinreverie7)

“This is my air purifier filter in Gurgaon. The land of 200 crore apartments, glossy towers & lungs working overtime like interns at Big 4,” the X user wrote.

Also Read: Foreigner’s grim take on Delhi air pollution as thick smog chokes city: ‘Could barely see the sun’

The individual added, “Welcome to the city where we pay premium for polluted air. Efficiency, but make it toxic.”

The two photos of an air purifier filter show it heavily coated with a thick layer of dust, dirt, and possibly other particulate matter. A small section of the filter is cleared to illustrate the amount of dust that has accumulated in the other parts.

How did social media react?

An individual commented, “These high-end buildings often seal us inside with filtered air, ignoring the outside problem. This creates a bubble, causing us to forget our shared responsibility for the environment. True luxury should include clean, breathable air for everyone.” Another remarked, “It's like breathing through a chimney.”

A third posted, “Please clean this after every 7 days. Servicing of the purifier is required after every 6 months.” A fourth wrote, “For a healthy lifestyle, Pune and Bengaluru are generally considered the best choices due to a better balance of air quality, climate, and overall livability.”

Also Read: Delhi founder opens door, indoor AQI spikes from 97 to 500 within a minute: ‘Life has become hell in NCR’

Various regions across Delhi and the NCR have been shrouded in thick smog, causing health issues to residents. Delhi’s air quality remained between “poor” and “very poor.”

What is causing the AQI spike?

According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) for Delhi, a decrease in wind speed has reduced the dispersion of pollutants in the air. This is concerning as it can lead to breathing issues for people, especially those with lung or heart diseases.

  • Trisha Sengupta
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Trisha Sengupta

    Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More

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