New Delhi: In the bustling heart of the nation's capital, where the air should be filled with hope, it seems to be filled with something far less inspiring. Delhiites, take a deep breath, or perhaps not, because if you're inhaling the air of Delhi, you're involuntarily puffing away on approximately 25 cigarettes a day. Yes, you heard it right, and no, this isn't some twisted satire; it's the unfortunate reality of life in the smoggy, lung-choking embrace of Delhi's air pollution.
In a city where every breath could be a potential health hazard, the remarkable minds behind the government have come up with a rather unique 'gift' for their citizens. It's the 'free' cigarette scheme! Move over free water and electricity; now you can enjoy the 'benefits' of free cigarettes, courtesy of the Arvind Kejriwal government, a generous gesture that has spanned the past decade.
Forget personal choices and individual preferences; the Kejriwal government has taken it upon itself to ensure that every resident, young or old, man or woman, even unborn children, gets their daily dose of 'fresh' Delhi air. The inclusive approach is quite commendable, really. After all, who doesn't want their grandmother, niece, or that unborn child in the womb to be part of this city's grand experiment in lung health?
Now, you might wonder, "How can an unborn child be affected by air pollution when they're not even breathing yet?" Well, that's where the magic of Delhi's air comes into play. According to Dr. Arvind Kumar, a senior pulmonologist at Medanta Hospital, the toxins in the air affect all age groups, including those who haven't taken their first breath. When the mother breathes in this polluted air, the toxins slip into her lungs, then into her bloodstream, and finally reach the developing baby through the placenta. It's a chain reaction that can have detrimental effects on the unborn child's health, setting the stage for a 'smoky' future.
As for the free cigarettes worth around Rs 11,000 a month (based on a cigarette cost of Rs 15), the government seems to have a keen sense of humor. Who knew that the 'Aam Aadmi' (common man) could be treated to a daily pack of lung-busting joy on the house? It's almost like the government is saying, "Why should you bother buying cigarettes when we're here to smoke you out for free?"
In a city where the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently hovers around 450-500, equivalent to inhaling 25-30 cigarettes daily, the citizens of Delhi are receiving an unusual 'bonus' from their elected officials. Wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness have become everyday companions, ensuring that the people of Delhi get to experience the joys of a daily cardio workout, whether they signed up for it or not.
So, here's to the Arvind Kejriwal government and their creative approach to governance. In the face of severe air pollution, they've not just blown smoke in our faces; they've ensured we breathe it in deeply, whether we like it or not. Kudos, Delhi, for your 'free' gift, delivered straight from the government that just can't seem to clear the air.