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Journalism of Courage
The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) has reached dangerously high levels––upwards of 400––and more people are experiencing serious respiratory problems. Social media platforms have been buzzing with many irate residents complaining about the absence of precautionary measures to control the air quality. Ixigo CEO Aloke Bajpai made an X post pointing out the general disregard residents have for the hazardous condition, and how only a handful of people take precautionary measures like wearing masks.
Bajpai shared a personal experience noting that when the AQI exceeded 500, his children were among the few wearing masks to school. In this post, he said how a concerned parent asked if everything was okay with his son, to which Bajpai replied saying, “Well, everything is not OK with the air these kids are breathing.” He also pointed out the sight of over 50 elderly residents of his society walking outside without masks. Bajpai questioned why there hasn’t been a public health campaign yet, and said talking to lung specialists would make the looming health threat clear. Yet, one middle-aged man simply shrugged off the dangers, saying, “Ab to hamein immunity hai ji (We are immune now).”
See the post:
https://twitter.com/alokebajpai/status/1856896755759259772
While many supported Bajpai’s concerns, a few others advised him to consider relocating to an area with better air quality.
One user wrote, “Masks might reduce disease spread but don’t fit tightly enough to significantly block polluted air. For those who have achieved financial independence, relocating to a place with cleaner air could be the first priority to put family health above familiarity or convenience,” to which Bajpai responded saying, “Have researched enough on this topic. N99 masks do help. Everyone can’t move. Not a real solution.”
Another person commented, “People have normalized breathing the polluted air. The government has not done anything for the past 10 years and now people are also becoming complacent and not revolting or protesting to even compel the government to think of solving this crisis.”
A third user said, “I was asked the same question in the morning when I dropped my child for the school because we were wearing mask. People are aware but careless.”
