Delhi’s hazardous air quality has once again made headlines after former Xiaomi India chief and current G42 CEO Manu Kumar Jain cut short his Delhi trip due to severe pollution-related symptoms. Jain, who was in the city for meetings, revealed that within hours he experienced burning eyes, throat irritation, persistent coughing and a mild headache—symptoms intensified because he forgot his N95 mask.
Sharing a photo from his early return flight, Jain said he was “forced to leave” and emphasized that Delhi still has “a long way to go” in tackling air pollution. Despite growing up in Meerut and studying at IIT Delhi, he said this visit hit him unusually hard, adding that responsibility lies with “all of us.”
His post triggered widespread concern, with many social media users highlighting the impact on children, who breathe this toxic air daily. Some shared similar experiences, while others expressed frustration over lack of long-term solutions.
Delhi continues to remain under GRAP-III restrictions, with AQI levels in the “severe” category, leading to curbs on construction, polluting vehicles and a shift to hybrid classes for younger students.
