Severe pollution hits Indian capital

Visibility below 200 meters as air quality index reads over 400

NEW DELHI - A public health emergency was declared in New Delhi on Tuesday as a choking blanket of smog descended on the world's most polluted capital city.

"We have declared a state of public health emergency in Delhi since pollution is at an alarming level," said Krishan Kumar Aggarwal, head of the Indian Medical Association.

"Delhi authorities have to make every possible effort to curb this menace."

The Air Quality Index recorded by pollution control board officials at 9 am in the city read 411, which is considered "severe".

"Majority of the 18 pollution monitors installed by the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Indian Meteorological Department read 'severe'," an official said.

A reading between 0-50 is considered good.

According to Indian Meteorological Department officials, visibility was below 200 meters in the city in the wake of the smog.

Authorities at Indira Gandhi International airport in New Delhi delayed more than 20 flights due to runway closures.

Warning issued

Reports said Indian Medical Association has advised the local government to stop outdoor activities and sports at schools in the morning because of the smog.

"The warning was issued because the pollution levels in the city have gone up by 12-19 folds than the permissible limits," an official associated with the medical body said.

The deadly smog chokes air, causing breathlessness and lung difficulties, besides badly affecting the visibility.

The World Health Organization in 2014 classed New Delhi as the world's most polluted capital. Last year the city's high court described the capital as a "gas chamber".

Air pollution is a leading cause of premature death in India. Pollution in New Delhi gets aggravated during winter months. Ahead of winters, people burn agricultural waste to clear cropland, which contributes to the choking of already polluted air.

Authorities have closed power plants temporarily and experimented with taking some cars off the road.

But on Tuesday, many residents said too little was being done to tackle the scourge.

"It's a recurring problem and we need to find a quick and permanent solution to it before it is too late," said real estate agent Vipin Malhotra.

"The city is becoming unlivable, particularly for children, as the pollution has reached uncontrollable levels."

Doctors also called for the city's half marathon this month to be canceled.

The Indian Medical Association urged the city's biggest running race, due on Nov 19, to be called off to protect runners and volunteers from exposure to high levels of deadly particulate matter that lodge deep in the lungs.

Xinhua - Afp - Reuters

(China Daily 11/08/2017 page12)