The discussion began after Simridhi Makhija, who recently relocated from Delhi to Bengaluru, shared a video on Instagram comparing daily life in the two cities. The video, which quickly went viral, reflects her personal experiences after spending more than two months in Bengaluru and then returning briefly to Delhi to visit her parents. Identifying herself as a “Delhi girl,” Makhija said the contrast between the two metropolitan cities became impossible to ignore.
One of her strongest criticisms focused on air quality in Delhi. Makhija described the city’s pollution levels as overwhelming, particularly in recent weeks, and said routine life felt physically uncomfortable. Using stark language, she likened being in Delhi to “living in a gas chamber” and questioned why India’s capital continues to struggle with such persistent environmental challenges.
Women’s safety was another central issue she raised. According to Makhija, Bengaluru felt significantly safer, even during late evening hours. She recalled walking alone around 10 pm after meeting a friend and said the experience did not trigger the same level of anxiety she associated with similar situations in Delhi. She suggested that this sense of safety played a crucial role in shaping her perception of Bengaluru as a more livable city.
Makhija also pointed to differences in infrastructure and urban planning. She argued that Bengaluru offers more pedestrian-friendly roads and public spaces, making everyday movement easier and more accessible. In her video, she questioned whether international visitors should be greeted by heavy pollution, traffic congestion and limited walkability in the national capital, implying that a city with better living conditions could project a stronger global image for India.
The video sparked intense reactions across social media platforms. Some users supported her views, echoing long-standing concerns about Delhi’s air quality and safety issues. Others, however, pushed back strongly, noting that Bengaluru faces its own serious challenges, including traffic congestion, water shortages and infrastructure pressure caused by rapid urban growth. Several commenters also stressed that the designation of a national capital involves historical, political and administrative considerations that go far beyond quality-of-life comparisons.
While opinions remain sharply divided, the viral discussion has reignited a broader conversation about urban governance in India. Makhija’s remarks have once again brought attention to the urgent need for Indian cities to prioritise cleaner air, safer public spaces and more inclusive infrastructure, regardless of their political status.
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