As Delhi grapples with hazardous air quality, a Bengaluru resident’s humorous post on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked an online conversation about the stark differences in air quality between India’s capital and the southern tech hub. The user proposed an unconventional solution: learning Kannada and settling in Bengaluru for cleaner air and a healthier life.
“Clean air is a fundamental human right. But in Delhi, you have to pay for clean air too, with an additional 18% GST. It’s time to learn Kannada and permanently settle in Bengaluru, where AQI ranges 60-80,” the tweet read.
The light-hearted suggestion quickly gained traction, with reactions ranging from amusement to concern. While some applauded the wit, others questioned the feasibility of a mass migration to Bengaluru, considering the city’s existing infrastructure challenges.
One user joked, “If everyone will go there, it will also become like Delhi-NCR.”
Another empathized with Delhi residents, stating, “Delhi people who contribute so much to the economy are not even getting this basic right.”
Some users offered alternative suggestions. “No need to learn a new language. Just be yourself and settle in Gujarat. Have good air and water with a peaceful life,” a commenter wrote.
Others acknowledged the appeal of Bengaluru’s air quality but noted potential challenges. “Yeah, the air quality… it’s kinda rough there. Moving somewhere with better air, like Bengaluru, sounds… maybe not the worst idea. But then again, figuring out a local language can be a challenge, right?”
Delhi’s air quality crisis shows no signs of abating, with smog enveloping the city and its neighboring areas on Tuesday morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a dangerous 500 at multiple monitoring stations, falling into the ‘severe plus’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The toxic air has not only caused health concerns but also disrupted daily life, with at least 22 trains delayed and multiple flights cancelled or rescheduled due to poor visibility.
While the tweet from Bengaluru humorously highlights the city’s relative advantage in air quality, it underscores a sobering reality: the need for sustainable solutions to pollution that safeguard public health across all of India’s cities.
