As air quality in New Delhi and the surrounding NCR worsens, severe respiratory conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are becoming more common. Frustrated citizens have taken to social media to voice concerns about the escalating health crisis. Among them is Aloke Bajpai, the CEO and co-founder of ixigo, who criticized the public’s lack of attention to mask-wearing, referencing common excuses such as “Ab to hamein immunity hai ji (Now we are immune).”
Bajpai shared his perspective on social media, noting how his children were among the few wearing masks to school. He recounted, “At 500+ AQI, my kids seemed like the only ones wearing masks to school, and a parent asked me – everything OK with your son? Well, everything is not OK with the air these kids are breathing.” Bajpai also observed elderly individuals taking morning walks without masks, expressing frustration at the lack of public health awareness. “Why is there no public health awareness campaign around this yet? All you need to do is talk to some lung doctors to understand the looming health crisis,” he added. In a dismissive comment from a middle-aged man, Bajpai heard the familiar excuse: “Ab to hamein immunity hai ji.”
At 500+ AQI, my kids seemed like the only ones wearing masks to school, and a parent asks me – everything OK with your son? Well, everything is not OK with the air these kids are breathing. And then I notice 50+ elderly people in my society on their morning walk. Why is there no…
— Aloke Bajpai (@alokebajpai) November 14, 2024
Social media responses to Bajpai’s post were mixed. While many agreed with his concerns, others suggested moving to a region with cleaner air. One user recommended relocating, writing, “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.” Bajpai responded by acknowledging that N99 masks are effective but stressed that relocating is not feasible for everyone, saying, “Have researched enough on this topic. N99 masks do help. Everyone can’t move. Not a real solution.”
Several commenters echoed Bajpai’s call for mask usage. One noted, “N99 masks are just essential to step out nowadays. I find myself wearing them when cycling now. Too much dust and I can see a clear difference in how well I sleep.” Another user shared their experience with their masked-up seven-year-old, who is “one of the few ones masked up at our condo’s school bus stop.” Meanwhile, a fourth user humorously suggested, “Drop the ego, come to Bangalore.”
Bajpai’s remarks highlight a pressing need for increased public health awareness around mask use in high-pollution conditions, as Delhi and NCR continue to grapple with deteriorating air quality.
