What breathing clean air taught a Delhiite about his own city

Dec 2, 2025 | 15:25 IST

(AI)

A Delhiite who once felt “used to the smog” returned after years in cleaner air — and his body revolted within seconds. His story captures a city where bad air is no longer a season but a condition of life

When Kunal Kushwaha stepped out of the aircraft at Delhi airport earlier this month, he didn’t need an air-quality monitor to tell him something was wrong.

“You will instantly start coughing… that’s in just five seconds,” he said. “You will smell it. Anyone will smell it.”

TOI

TOI

What breathing clean air taught a Delhiite about his own city

A Delhiite who once felt “used to the smog” returned after years in cleaner air — and his body revolted within seconds. His story captures a city where bad air is no longer a season but a condition of life

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TOI

What breathing clean air taught a Delhiite about his own city

A Delhiite who once felt “used to the smog” returned after years in cleaner air — and his body revolted within seconds. His story captures a city where bad air is no longer a season but a condition of life

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