The Indian medical association (IMA) has declared a state of public health emergency in Delhi and urged authorities to either shut schools or keep children away from hazardous air pollution levels by keeping them indoors.
Delhi and the National Capital Region has seen a sharp decline in air quality levels and recorded 'very poor' air quality.
Morning smog envelops the skyline on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017. Source: AP
According to First Post, IMA president KK Aggarwal suggested that schools must be shut and people must stop stepping out.
A letter sent by IMA to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Minister Manish Sisodia said, “children are more prone to harmful effects of air pollution as their lungs are still growing... Breathing polluted air can hamper the growth of their lungs leading to breathing problems later on in life."
IMA has also requested Kejriwal to issue a warning for all schools in Delhi-NCR through various media outlets like radio, print and social media.
It has been reported that the Chief Minister has requested Sisodia to consider shutting down schools for a few days until the conditions improve. Kejriwal has been asked to cancel the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon scheduled on 19the November as well.
epa06313073 An Inidan man with his face covered walks at Rajpath Avenue engulfed in smog near the Indian president's house, in New Delhi, India. Source: EPA
"The air quality is particularly poor in the early morning when pollution is extremely high. This is also the time when the proposed Half Marathon is scheduled to start. The hazardous pollution levels may have disastrous health consequences, even for the healthy participants," said the letter.
The letter also states that when the Air Quality Index crosses 200, time spent outside should be restricted.
There has been a considerable increase in the air pollution level of Delhi with AQI recorded at 411 at 9am on Tuesday morning. According to reports, visibility dropped to 200 metre at 8.30 am. Mathura Road was at 441, which is one of the highest in the city. In Noida, AQI was 430 at 9.30 am.
epa06313031 An aerial view shows buildings engulfed in smog, in New Delhi, India. Source: EPA
More than 20 flights were either delayed or affected due to runway closure and smog at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
According to Central Pollution Control Board, the high level of moisture in the air has trapped emissions from local sources and has been hanging low over the city in the absence of any wind.
epa06313033 An aerial view shows buildings engulfed in smog, in New Delhi, India. Source: EPA
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