Delhi health department issues advisory amid pollution crisis
What's the story
The health department of Delhi issued a health advisory on Saturday as air quality stayed in the "poor" category in several parts of the national capital. The advisory urges Delhiites, especially pregnant women, individuals with underlying medical issues, children, and the elderly, to exercise greater caution and limit exposure to air pollution. Here is all you need to know about it!
Context
Why does this story matter?
Delhi's air quality index (AQI) has been in "very poor" to "severe" air quality for two weeks, primarily due to lower temperatures and stubble burning in the nearby regions. To battle the pollution crisis, the Delhi government introduced numerous anti-pollution measures, even announcing early winter breaks for schools. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court (SC) slammed the Arvind Kejriwal administration for the rising air pollution and said that schemes like the odd-even rule were just "optics."
Details
What does the advisory say
The advisory urges people to avoid physical exercises like outdoor morning and late evening walks, jogs, runs, and physical exercise, "specifically during days with severe AQI." It also advises against smoking tobacco products, burning incense sticks and mosquito coils in closed premises, and burning wood, leaves, waste, and crop residues. The advisory also suggests using public transport or car pools.
What Next?
Here's how to stay fit amid Delhi's pollution crisis
Furthermore, the ministry suggested having regular gargles with lukewarm water, washing eyes with running water, and eating a healthy diet. In case of chest discomfort, breathlessness, cough, giddiness, or eye irritation, the advisory urged people to consult a doctor for a professional review. Those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, children, and older adults should also be extra careful and limit exposure to polluted air.
Insights
Gopal Rai writes to UP minister over non-destined vehicles
Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to Uttar Pradesh (UP) Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh on Saturday, urging him to act on the plying of non-destined vehicles in Delhi from UP's border to curb pollution. "Additional enforcement teams may be deployed at all the Entry Points to Peripheral ways to ensure the implementation of the aforesaid directions," Rai said in his letter to Singh. Vehicles are estimated to be the second-most polluting source in Delhi, trailing only stubble burning.
Twitter Post
You can check out Rai's full letter here
Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal has written to Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister asking for action on the plying of non-destined vehicles in Delhi from UP's border, in view of the air pollution situation. pic.twitter.com/HHAjWmwNUD
— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2023
Know more
Delhi University announces early winter break
On Friday, Delhi University (DU) announced an early winter break between November 13 and 19 amid rising air pollution. However, all the pre-scheduled interviews and examinations would take place without any changes. The winter break, traditionally given in December, was advanced, keeping in mind the actions adopted under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).