‘Still Relevant’: Shashi Tharoor's Fresh Breath Of Irony With 6-Year-Old Delhi Pollution Post

Last Updated:November 08, 2025, 13:20 IST

The post- comparing Delhi’s toxic air to constant smoking- resurfaced as the capital grappled with another hazardous smog spell.

A file photo of Shashi Tharoor (PTI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor reposted a six-year-old jab at Delhi’s pollution levels, saying the message remains “sadly, frustratingly relevant" as air quality in the national capital once again slid into the “very poor" category.

Sharing his earlier post on X (formerly Twitter), Shashi Tharoor wrote, “Six years of indifference later, this post remains sadly, frustratingly relevant still…." The old post included a photo with the caption: “Kab tak zindagi kaatoge cigarette, bidi aur cigar mein? Kuch din toh guzaro Delhi-NCR mein." (How long will you spend your life on cigarettes, bidis and cigars? Spend a few days in Delhi-NCR instead.)

The line- comparing Delhi’s toxic air to constant smoking- resurfaced as the capital grappled with another hazardous smog spell following Diwali and the onset of winter.

Delhi Air Quality Slips To ‘Very Poor’

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an overall AQI of 311 on Saturday. Bawana (366) and Jahangirpuri (348) were among the worst-affected neighbourhoods. An AQI between 301 and 400 is considered “very poor," while levels above 400 qualify as “severe," posing risks even to healthy individuals.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that Delhi registered a minimum temperature of 12.7°C- 1.6°C below normal- with the maximum expected to hover around 26°C. Shallow fog and reduced visibility were forecast for several parts of the city, conditions that can trap pollutants and intensify the smog.

Delhi Staggers Office Timings

The Delhi government announced staggered office timings for its departments and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to reduce peak-hour congestion. Currently, government employees work from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm and MCD staff from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. From November 15 to February 15, 2026, these will shift to 10:00 am-6:30 pm for government offices and 8:30 am-5:00 pm for MCD offices.

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