Delhi man compares city air quality with Helsinki after daughter moves abroad
Author Manoj Arora shared a post on X noting the difference in AQI between Delhi and Finland as pollution levels rise.
A Delhi resident, Manoj Arora, has sparked a social media discussion after comparing the air quality index (AQI) of Delhi with Helsinki, Finland. According to a report by Moneycontrol, Arora shared a post on X stating he was proud his daughter had settled in Helsinki, where the AQI was 22, while he remains in Delhi where the AQI was 507.
Arora responded to social media users who suggested moving abroad was a privilege for wealthy families by stating he is a middle-class man. He explained that his daughter secured a 100 per cent scholarship for her Masters at Helsinki University, found a job, and moved to pursue research in medical analytical models that were not available in India.
The post drew mixed reactions from users. While some parents related to his concerns regarding the environment and future opportunities, others suggested that moving to Indian cities like Dehradun, which has an AQI of around 60, could be an alternative. Some users also raised concerns regarding the challenges of living in Finland, such as the weather and social integration.
The discussion comes as Delhi-NCR faces deteriorating air quality during the winter. On November 6, the Supreme Court addressed pollution levels in the National Capital Region. A three-judge Bench, including Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, heard a case regarding the issue.
During the proceedings, amicus curiae Aparajita Singh told the court that pollution levels were near the severe category and were impacting health. She noted that stubble burning contributed 14 per cent to Delhi's pollution on November 5, though she stated transport was a larger concern.