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Amid extreme Delhi air pollution, parents and doctors call for shutting down schools

Amid extreme Delhi pollution, CPCB air quality index rose above 400, meaning it can seriously affect even those who are healthy

By REUTERS
October 30, 2019
A man covers his face with a handkerchief as he walks ina park on a smoggy morning in New Delhi, India, November 9, 2017. REUTERS/Saumya Khandelwal/Files

NEW DELHI: Some doctors and residents urged New Delhi authorities to shut schools and cancel outdoor sporting events in the Indian capital as air pollution remained at the most severe level for the second day running on Wednesday.

Farm fires raging in neighbouring states have sent clouds of smoke floating over the city, trapped in a toxic smog, posing a health risk to its 20 million residents, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) air warning guidance.

The CPCB air quality index has exceeded 400, classified as “severe” on the scale, which means it can seriously affect those with existing respiratory illnesses, and even those who are healthy. Pollution readings in some places had peaked at 500, the most severe level on the government index.

Also read: Delhi pollution ‘action plan’ comes into force

“It is a public health emergency,” said Desh Deepak, a chest physician at the city’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

“Today, lungs are far blacker compared to 20 years ago.”

Some citizens’ groups and doctors took to Twitter to call for schools to be temporarily closed until the air quality improved.

Former India cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi, meanwhile, led a chorus of warnings over Delhi hosting a limited-overs Twenty20 cricket match between India and Bangladesh on Sunday, citing “hazardous air quality”.

But match organizers at the Delhi & District Cricket Association announced the sale of tickets on Wednesday in a sign they were pressing ahead.

Read more: ‘Air pollution causes 135,000 deaths annually’

Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said: “I hope that pollution will not come in the way of cricket.”

Some residents also called for the cancellation of a 6km run planned for Thursday to mark the anniversary of the birth of former home minister Sardar Patel, revered by ruling Hindu nationalists.

“You will be putting thousands of citizens in harm’s way by making them run in this pollution,” posted Brikesh, a Twitter user.

The CPCB index measures the concentration of tiny poisonous particulate matter that can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly diseases including cancer and cardiac problems.