Air Pollution : Major crisis due to pollution in Delhi; Center issues guidelines…

In Brief

• Major crisis due to pollution in Delhi

• Instructions to increase aid efforts to states

• The pollution situation in the capital Delhi is becoming dangerous

The pollution problem in the capital Delhi seems to be becoming serious. Due to this pollution, it has been observed that pregnant women, children, and the elderly are at risk. The central government has issued health guidelines. The central government has stated that children, pregnant women, and the elderly are at significant risk due to air pollution.

Against the backdrop of pollution, the central health ministry issued 33-page guidelines to all states in North India, directing them to take immediate measures. It alerted the health system about the increasing respiratory and heart diseases related to pollution. In a letter to the chief secretaries, Central Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stated, "The air quality is continuously deteriorating, posing a serious challenge to public health. We must work together to create a healthy and clean environment."

Meanwhile, the central government has allowed online studies for children up to the fifth grade. Additionally, attention should be given to construction sites. The center has stated that it is necessary to sprinkle water for dust control, cover materials, and provide equipment and masks for workers at these locations. Regular health check-ups and training for construction workers are also mandatory.

Instructions to Increase Relief Efforts for States

The central secretary has instructed states to immediately activate their state and district task forces and enhance coordination with the departments of environment, transport, urban development, women and child development, and labor. They have also stated that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) already implemented in Delhi-NCR should be strictly enforced.

The pollution situation in the capital Delhi is becoming dangerous

The pollution situation in the capital Delhi appears to be becoming serious. The air in Delhi is becoming toxic, leading to an increase in pollution. According to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) in many parts of Delhi has reached the 'very poor' category. The situation in Bawana is particularly severe, with the AQI reaching 403. Even after that, the air quality seems to have deteriorated further.