Delhi-NCR's air quality nears 'emergency' zone
November 13, 2019 12:55
Delhi-NCR gasped for breath on Wednesday as the noxious smog resulting from raging farm fires and unfavourable weather pushed pollution levels in the region towards the "emergency" zone for the second time in the last 15 days.
A large number of children were exposed to the harmful spike in pollution as schools remained opened on Wednesday. Pictures of schoolchildren with their faces covered with anti-pollution masks and handkerchiefs were shared widely on social media. Scores of people also posted pictures of open burning of garbage and heaps of construction waste and dirt lying uncovered in several areas across the city.
"#DelhiAirPollution what's the use of being a developing country if our children are not permitted to breathe in clean air...Must think seriously about solutions as soon as possible before any emergency occurs.#DelhiAirEmergency," a Twitter user posted on the microblogging site.
Many people questioned the effectiveness of the odd-even road rationing scheme, brought in by the Delhi government as an emergency measure to check pollution. "How can common man survive in such envt. where AQI PM2.5 is crossing 500. I would like to ask both PM @narendramodi and Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal Who is responsible for this mess, also odd even scheme doesn't seem to be working.#DelhiAirEmergency (sic)," another user said.
The odd-even scheme resumed on Wednesday after a two-day hold on restrictions in view of the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev. At 11.30 am, Delhi's overall air quality index read 454. Jahangirpuri and Rohini were the most-polluted areas with an AQI of 483, followed by Mundka (479) and Bawana (479). -- PTI
Image: People exercised and jogged at the Lodhi Garden for instance, wearing masks this morning, as the air quality in Delhi deteriorates.
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