Smog Plagues New Delhi as Diwali Fireworks Compound Air Pollution
New Delhi is currently experiencing severe air quality due to the combination of Diwali celebrations and ongoing smog, putting the lives of over 30 million residents at risk.
- The Indian capital has been blanketed in smog as a result of the ongoing Diwali festivities, which involve the use of firecrackers.
- This has exacerbated the already poor air quality in the city.
- The situation has led to a rise in respiratory issues among the city's inhabitants.
Air quality in Delhi has reached alarming levels, with particulate matter levels soaring to dangerous levels. The situation has been described as "severe" by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
"The air quality index has reached 399, which is a severe level," said Dr. Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director of the Centre for Science and Environment.
The hazardous levels of pollution are expected to persist for the next few days, threatening the health of the city's inhabitants.
"The situation is extremely critical. We are seeing high levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10, which are extremely harmful to human health," added Dr. Roy Chowdhury.
The Indian government has taken measures to mitigate the situation, banning the use of fireworks and advising citizens to stay indoors during peak pollution hours.
"The government has issued advisories to citizens to avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution hours and has banned the sale and use of fireworks," said an official from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
The adverse effects of the poor air quality are not limited to human health but also impact wildlife in the region.
"The smog has severely impacted wildlife in the region, particularly birds and animals, who are struggling to find food and shelter due to the dense smog," said a spokesperson from the Delhi Forest Department.
The situation has raised concerns among environmentalists and health experts alike.
"The Diwali celebrations have exacerbated an already critical situation. The government needs to take immediate and stringent measures to tackle air pollution in the city," said Dr. Anumita Roy Chowdhury, a leading environmentalist.
The Indian government has assured that it is taking the situation seriously and is working towards improving the air quality in the city.
"The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change is closely monitoring the situation and is taking immediate actions to mitigate the situation," said an official from the Ministry.
The government has advised citizens to take precautions and urged them to follow the advisories issued by the authorities.
"The public is advised to take necessary precautions and follow the advisories issued by the government and relevant authorities to protect their health," advised the official.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
