'America's stinkiest city': Smoke-filled NYC streets leave Indian vlogger stunned - video

An Indian vlogger has sparked buzz on social media after posting a video from New York City , and calling it “America’s stinkiest city,” capturing thick, foul-smelling smoke rising from manholes at a busy intersection.

In the clip, Nitish Advitiy films a typical NYC crosswalk where dense white smoke suddenly pours out from manholes in the middle of the street. While locals seem unfazed, pedestrians and vehicles carry on as usual, the scene struck many international viewers as unusual and unsettling.

In a video posted on Instagram, Nitish captioned it " America's Stinkiest City "

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by नितिश अद्वितय (@nitishadvitiy)

The video has sparked a wide range of reactions on social media. While some viewers found the situation amusing, others took a more critical stance, calling out what they see as double standards.

Many pointed out that Western countries, particularly in the media, are quick to highlight hygiene and infrastructure problems in developing nations, yet often remain silent about similar issues in their own cities. The footage of smoke and foul odours coming from New York's manholes, they argued, is a clear example of the kind of problems that are overlooked when they happen in the West.

One user commented, "This is what Western media never shows."

While another said, "OMG I can't believe this is NYC."

One went on to say, "Please tag this video to the President to show him the mirror."

Another one added’ "This looks so yucky," expressing the disgust.

Before this Advitiy shared another video highlighting an experience in the US. In an Instagram reel, he expressed surprise at how his neighbours reacted after a nearby house caught fire. He observed that no one stepped out to check on the homeowner or offer help. While the fire department arrived quickly and handled the situation, he found the neighbours' lack of concern particularly noticeable.