Thursday, 19 December 2024
Thursday, 19 December 2024
Monday morning in Delhi resembled a scene straight from Stephen King’s psychological horror The Mist, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring past 481 in several areas. Delhi, which seems to be facing a post-apocalyptic situation, has now entered the “Why bother inhaling?” zone.
Although the situation is serious, social media has found a way to inject some humour into the despair.
The Telegraph Online presents a roundup of how people are coping, or at least trying to laugh through their tears.
Sarco suicide: Delhi edition
"Spot the difference!" a user writes, showing two images, one of a person inside a device for assisted suicide and the other of Delhi’s smog-filled streets.
"Scientists spent their lives creating the first one; for the second, we just had to vote!" The user wrote.
Parrots or cows? Delhi’s identity crisis
Another post said, “AQI 455! That’s Delhi for you!” alongside an image of a parrot convincing others that it’s not a crow, but just arrived from Delhi. The pollution is so bad that even nature seems confused.
Death in motion
One particular post declared Delhi as the ultimate destination for “collapse and death in motion.” The image with text “The truth is no longer hidden; the people are hiding from the truth” captures the reality that while residents may not see their skyline, the world definitely sees their pollution.
Lungs for sale: Delhi’s sacrifice
A user pointed out, “People have given lives for their religion and castes before! All they are asking is to give away your lungs this time! Totally worth it!” Well, with the kind of air gas masks and hazmat suits might be the new fashion statement.
Mohalla clinics to the rescue?
In true Delhi sense, someone posted: “No tension. If your lungs are damaged, there’s itching in your eyes, or breathing is tough, treatment is free at Mohalla Clinics. Yeeeeeee!” A jab at the city’s healthcare services, Delhiites hoped the clinics are well-stocked because Delhi’s lungs might need industrial-grade repairs.
Legends live in Delhi NCR
One post rhymed it the best: “Some men smoke cigarettes, some smoke cigars, but legends live in Delhi NCR.”
Living in Delhi seems to be an endurance test. The question is – have Delhiites become immune, smog-resistant?
