'Hard to digest' - Jonty Rhodes expresses concerns over Delhi’s deteriorating air quality

Legendary South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes has voiced serious concern over the worsening air quality in Delhi, joining a growing list of citizens and public figures stating the city’s alarming pollution crisis. As the national capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the ‘severe’ category over the weekend, Rhodes compared Delhi’s smog-filled skies to the clear, breathable air of Goa, where he currently resides.

Every winter, Delhi witnesses a sharp spike in pollution levels due to factors like stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and stagnant weather conditions. This year, AQI levels in several areas crossed the 400 mark, forcing residents to stay indoors and triggering health concerns. The smog has once again led to debates over long-term environmental policy and accountability. Rhodes took to social media to express his concerns.

“Passing through Delhi en route to Ranchi this evening, and as always, it’s hard to digest the low levels of air quality here. Am grateful to be living in a small fishing village in South Goa," Rhodes wrote on X.

In another tweet, the South African legend shared a picture of his children playing football in Goa, contrasting it with Delhi’s conditions, where doctors often advise residents to remain indoors. 

“This is what my 'home" sunsets look like – and yes, those are my kids playing football! In Delhi they suggest staying indoors."

Rhodes, who has spent significant time in India, reflected concern about the impact of pollution on everyday life. His comments come when Delhi’s air quality has reached its lowest level of the season. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI stood at 354 on Monday morning, categorised as “very poor.” Several monitoring stations, including Anand Vihar, ITO, and Chandni Chowk, reported readings near or above 370.

The situation has prompted public frustration, with citizens posting videos of smog and air purifiers clogging within days. Over the weekend, parents and students gathered at India Gate, urging authorities to take stronger steps to combat pollution. Despite marginal improvement with the AQI dropping slightly from 391 to 365 by Sunday evening, experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) warn that the air quality will likely remain in the “very poor” range in the coming days.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), however, announced that Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) would not be enforced yet, citing steady signs of improvement.