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Delhi's annual 'gas chamber' season is back: Smog videos and dark jokes galore

Delhi AQI crossed the 300 mark today, sparking concerns among the residents about their health. They also expressed their frustration about the “annual affair.”

Published on: Oct 23, 2024, 12:16:33 IST
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Delhi-National Capital Region woke up to a thick smog covering the region. With AQI crossing the 300 mark and entering the ‘very poor’ category, it is that time of the year when people are plagued with various health issues due to intense air pollution. Expectedly, this Delhi-NCR-specific “season” creates a buzz on social media every year, including people dishing out dark humour. This year is no different, and people are expressing their frustrations and concerns with a sprinkle of humour.

“Yearly ritual”

The image from a viral video shows a road in Delhi and Akshardham covered in thick smog. (X/@PTI)
The image from a viral video shows a road in Delhi and Akshardham covered in thick smog. (X/@PTI)

An entrepreneur shared a picture of a road enveloped in smog and wrote, “That time of the year. When Delhi/NCR's skies turn smog grey. And WA groups buzz with heated debates on what causes it. Both are annual rituals on our yearly calendar.”

“Delhi choking”

Several individuals have voiced their frustration, highlighting the serious health issues that this season brings. The situation in the capital city has been described as a 'gas chamber', with concerns about Delhi choking due to the smoky fog.

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“Health issues”

“Let’s play a sobering game: Never have I ever breathed fresh air in Delhi NCR. With #AQI soaring beyond 300, it’s not just smog we’re choking on—it’s neglect,” wrote an individual.

A concerning visual

PTI posted a video which captures the increasing level of pollution in Delhi-NCR. “A thick layer of smog envelops parts of Delhi as the AQI level dips. Visuals from the Akshardham area,” reads the caption to the post.

Government’s response

“The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has established four levels to control pollution. Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 300, which has led to the implementation of GRAP Stage II,” Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said.

Also Read: Australian woman trashes Indian food for using ‘dirt spices,' gets a lesson in colonial history

He added that water spraying across Delhi will increase, and the authorities will continue inspecting construction sites.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trisha Sengupta

Trisha Sengupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of digital newsroom experience. Specialising in high-engagement storytelling, she blends viral trends with traditional journalism to cover the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. Her reporting spans real estate and personal finance struggles in hubs like Bengaluru and Gurgaon, the NRI experience, and corporate shifts like tech layoffs. Trisha also frequently tracks global figures and writes human interest stories. Offline, Trisha is an avid reader, history enthusiast and solo traveler. She balances her journalism career with family life while actively integrating AI tools into her modern storytelling approach.

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