“This
can’t go on. Delhi government and Centre can’t just pass the buck to each
other. People aren’t safe even inside their houses and rooms,” – Supreme Court
of India
This was an observation made by the Supreme Court wrapping both
the Centre and the Delhi government, as the air quality in Delhi has made it
the most polluted capital in the world.
But he people of Delhi- or at least those who can- are no longer
in the mood to wait for the government or any other agency to sort this out.
Many, if not most are planning to or have moved away for Delhi. While some have
taken to the hills, Goa appears to be the most popular go to place to move bag
and baggage, and not taking the ubiquitous inhaler
Café spoke to
various residents who have exited Delhi ( and some who have moved from other
metros)and now call Goa home and others who are in the process of moving to the
state.
We moved to Goa seven years ago. The situation then was not very
dramatic then but there were adequate indications that the levels of pollution
would only increase. Delhi also had the problems that afflict any city she
said. There were a lot of tensions and a lot of pressure on the residents of
the city. This made many of them react in different ways and some of them in
not very nice ways. We wanted a calmer, fuller life and we wanted to do things
that were fulfilling for us and we decided to move to Goa. We have been very
happy since and the quality of life is very satisfying”.
LOLA MAC DOUGALL Founding
Partner Goa Photo
We have a business in
Goa. In winter, I take my daughter out of Delhi and stay in Goa. We came around
the time of Diwali and should be here over the winter season. I am just
mirroring the actions of several other people who have just shifted out of
Delhi lock stock and barrel. I read in the papers that around 40% of the
residents of Delhi are more than willing to get out of Delhi because of the
population. It is a sad state of affairs. My sister has also moved out of Delhi
and is living here in Goa with her children over the winter.
RAGHAV BAHL, Owner Beleza by the
Beach resort, Colva
I had to get out of
Delhi because of the pollution. I am here with my children. We came to Goa on
Sunday with allergies and throat infections. I am running a resort here so I
left the city of Delhi. The city is like a gas chamber. I will be here till
January. I have not talked about the benefits of staying in Goa but most of my
friends see the difference in me when I am in Goa and they tend to get quite
jealous.
BHAVNA
BAHL, Colva
I left Mumbai and not Delhi five years ago due to various reasons,
‘mental pollution’ (stuff people say that you cannot handle) being one of them.
It is so much better here in Goa. The quality of life is great and I am happier
and more at peace.
ISHA AHLUWALIA Founder Moral Science store, Assagao
I have been living here in Goa for four years. I was fed up of
the pollution, the traffic and the chaos and basically the entire system that
was in place in Mumbai. I just got fed up and moved. I love Goa, it attracts
interesting people and there are people coming in from all over the country and
the world attracted by the vibe, the quality of life available. It makes for a
very fulfilling life. I am happier here. Many have commented at how pleased
they are for me and some, yes have expressed their hope to make a similar push
sometime in the future.
RAJAT NAGPAL, Nachinola, Film Maker and Brand consultant.
