Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson’s decision to leave a podcast midway due to India’s poor air quality has triggered widespread discussion. The podcast, hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, also featured his elder brother, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath. Following Johnson’s controversial exit, Nithin Kamath took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his own concerns about India’s worsening air pollution, debunking the misconception that it is limited to Delhi or only occurs in winter. His statement has further fueled the debate on the need for urgent air quality reforms in India.
'Not Just Delhi, Not Just Winter,' Nithin Kamath Highlights Air Pollution Across Cities
Nithin Kamath revealed that, like many others, he once believed that severe air pollution was mostly a Delhi-specific problem and worsened only during winter. However, after recording the podcast in a sea-facing apartment in Bandra, Mumbai, he was shocked to find the AQI soaring above 160. He pointed out that if air quality in an upscale area like Bandra was so bad, the situation in more densely populated areas must be even worse.
Check Nithin Kamath's Tweet Here:
To further investigate, Kamath tested air quality in Bengaluru’s J.P. Nagar—known for being a relatively quiet neighborhood—and discovered an AQI of 120+. He highlighted how dust from the city’s massive construction boom and poor road conditions make the pollution even worse.
'We’re Just Accepting Low-Quality Air as Normal,' Kamath on Health Hazards of Air Pollution
The Zerodha CEO stressed that long-term exposure to poor air quality can lead to severe health issues, including lung damage, cardiovascular problems, weakened immunity and an increased risk of cancer. He pointed out that while clean drinking water can be ensured through filters, there is no easy solution for air pollution. Kamath criticised how people have simply accepted toxic air as a normal part of life, despite the fact that clean air is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
Comparing India to the US and Europe, Kamath noted that most cities there maintain AQI levels below 50, which is considered good. In contrast, Delhi frequently experiences AQI levels of 500+ in winter and 200+ in summer.
'Should Property Prices Be Linked to AQI?' – Kamath Proposes an Unconventional Solution
In a thought-provoking argument, Nithin Kamath suggested that real estate prices should be tied to air quality levels. He reasoned that if an area has consistently high pollution levels, property values should decrease, as residents in such locations face higher risks of respiratory diseases and other health problems.
Kamath also called for more research on the relationship between air quality and public health in India. He invited researchers and hospital chains to collaborate with Rainmatter Foundation, Zerodha’s non-profit initiative, to study the impact of air pollution and find potential solutions.
Bryan Johnson’s Strong Remarks on India’s Air Pollution Crisis
Bryan Johnson’s podcast exit and his scathing remarks on India’s air pollution sparked outrage. He compared breathing India’s air to smoking 3.4 cigarettes a day, questioning why Indian leaders haven’t declared air pollution a national emergency. He also criticised how people have normalised toxic air, exposing children to pollution from birth and neglecting simple protective measures like wearing masks.