Delhi Enforces Odd-Even System, Bans Construction, and Closes Schools Due to Severe AQI Until Nov 10
In a bid to combat the rising pollution levels in the capital city of Delhi, the Kejriwal government has decided to implement the odd-even scheme once again, starting from the day after Diwali, which is from the 13th to the 20th of November. Previously, the government had imposed a ban on construction work and ordered all schools to remain closed until the 10th of November. The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 470 on Monday, November 6th, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safe limit, which is 0 to 50 on the AQI scale.
Ban on Firecrackers
A high-level meeting was held at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led the meeting, which was attended by Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai, Education Minister Atishi, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, and officials from other departments. Gopal Rai, the Environment Minister, stated that a ban on firecrackers is already in place in Delhi, but it has been observed that in many areas, people are still bursting firecrackers. The police have been alerted to take action against such violations, especially during the festive season, which coincides with the World Cup, further aggravating air quality. Gopal Rai has also appealed to the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to ban firecrackers, which can help in curbing the pollution problem.
Health Risks Due to Poor Air Quality
Dr. Piyush Ranjan, Additional Professor of the Medicine Department at Delhi AIIMS, mentioned that the poor air quality poses various health risks, including different types of cancers. Scientists claim that air pollution damages the respiratory system and encourages heart attacks and brain strokes. Due to the current poor air quality, a high-level meeting took place today in Delhi to discuss measures to regulate work-from-home arrangements for government employees. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR has recommended that 50% of employees should work from government and private offices to manage the situation better. This approval can be granted in the high-level meeting conducted by the Delhi government.
Closure of Delhi Schools from 5th to 10th November
Previously, on Sunday, November 5th, schools in Delhi up to grade 5 were ordered to remain closed until the 10th of November due to the worsening air quality. Atishi, Delhi’s Education Minister, has mentioned that to address the increasing pollution levels, all schools, for students from 6th to 12th grade, can conduct online classes.
Delhi Becomes the World’s Most Polluted City
Delhi has become the most polluted city in the world, according to the World Air Quality Index by Swiss group IQAir. Three Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, are among the top 10 most polluted cities globally. Lahore in Pakistan takes the second spot.
12 Firefighters Spraying Water on Trees
To control pollution, the Fire Department deploys 12 vehicles to spray water on trees along the streets. From morning until evening, firefighters work on watering the extensive areas that exhibit higher pollution levels. This initiative was undertaken to reduce the harmful effects of pollution caused by the Delhi Jal Board and the MCD tankers.
Delhi’s Air Equivalent to Smoking 25-30 Cigarettes
In terms of air quality, Dr. Arvind Kumar from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram revealed on November 4 that the air with an AQI of 400-00 is equivalent to smoking 25-30 cigarettes. It affects people of all age groups similarly. Dr. Nikhil Modi of Apollo Hospital in Delhi has advised people to wear masks to combat the pollution.
Delhi Government Demands Emergency Meeting with 5 States Near the Center
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, wrote a letter to the central government on Saturday. He proposed an emergency meeting with the Environment Ministers of five states – Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. He stated that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) rules are being violated in neighboring states.
