A Dutch software engineer named Sacha Arbonel has related his ordeal with the deteriorating air quality in India, having been in India for two months before his Indian wedding. According to Arbonel, the air quality makes him feel constantly sick, which, according to him, “has been the worst struggle with my health that I have ever experienced.”
‘I just want to breathe’
Arbonel recently took to his social media account X, where he voiced his frustration, “I love Indian food and the culture but I just want to be able to breathe and not have my throat burn.” Even with his facial mask on, he could not hide that his biggest worry is his continuous ill-health due to pollution in Indian cities.
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“Been in India for the last two months for my Indian wedding and I don't remember the last time I was so sick for such a long time. I'm tired of wearing a mask,” he said.
“I see small kids walking on roads with their parents with pollution around them and cannot stop thinking how bad it must be for their young lungs. The kids of this country deserve better,” he further added.
Though Arbonel was praising the growth of the tech industry in India, he mentioned that air quality issues negate the good points about the nation. “The tech scene of India is so good. Tech Salaries as good as Europe. Food scene is great as well. But it all feels worthless with the amount of pollution the cities have The tech scene of India is so good. Tech Salaries as good as Europe. Food scene is great as well. But it all feels worthless with the amount of pollution the cities have.”
‘Citizens paying a 'hefty pollution tax'
Arbonel concluded his post by advising the Indian Government that something needs to be done about the air pollution. He further stated, " Feels like everyone living here is paying a hefty pollution tax. The condition is critically bad and I really hope the Indian Govt realises this soon."
Internet backs his concerns
Arbonel’s posting attracted much attention on social media, with several people agreeing with his insights. A user commented, "Pollution in our cities is insane and the government has barely scratched the surface fixing it. Kids breathing this daily is the real tragedy. India has talent, brains, culture, economy… but none of it matters if people can’t even breathe safely."
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Another user wrote, “I hear you, and your frustration is completely understandable. Air pollution in many Indian cities has reached a crisis level—it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a public health emergency.”
A third user wrote, “Maybe they will listen now that foreigners are telling them. We were just ignored afterall.”
