South African cricket icon Jonty Rhodes has voiced his concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, describing the city's pollution levels as deeply troubling. Passing through the national capital on his way to Ranchi, the former Proteas star took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his unease about the situation.
"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 ##AQI #whats2Bdone," Rhodes posted.
Widely celebrated as one of the greatest fielders in cricket history, Rhodes has built a close bond with India over the years. Now settled in Goa with his family, his post underscored not just a passing
discomfort but a larger concern about Delhi's worsening environmental crisis, contrasting the capital's thick smog with the serenity of his coastal surroundings.
His message quickly drew reactions from fans and environmental advocates, many echoing his worries and urging for stronger action to curb air pollution. Several users also applauded Rhodes' choice of a simpler, nature-filled life in Goa, away from the urban chaos that now defines Delhi's skyline.
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 ##AQI #whats2Bdone pic.twitter.com/3ctZELJmRN
- Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) November 9, 2025
Delhi continues to struggle with one of its worst pollution phases of the season, as a thick haze covers the city. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 354 at 7 a.m. on Monday - classified as "very poor. " Although marginally better than Sunday's 390, the levels remain firmly in the "red zone. "
Out of the city's 38 monitoring stations, most reported AQI readings in the "very poor" or "severe" categories. Anand Vihar (379), ITO (376), and Chandni Chowk (360) were among the worst-affected areas. In the NCR, Noida and Greater Noida also reported hazardous levels above 300.
As Delhi's air grew thicker and temperatures dipped to 11.7°C, hundreds of parents, students, and environmental activists gathered at India Gate, demanding urgent government measures to tackle the capital's toxic air.
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