New Delhi: The Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) on Friday declared a public health emergency in Delhi-NCR due to severe air pollution and advised people here, especially children and the aged, to limit their exposure to the environment.
A public health emergency was declared in Delhi and NCR on Friday by the Environment Pollution (Prevention&Control) Authority due to severe deterioration of air quality in the region. The Delhi government has ordered the closure of all schools in Delhi till November 5.
EPCA said the air quality of Delhi-NCR has deteriorated further as of Thursday night and is now at the ”severe plus” category.
EPCA has asked Delhi government to issue advisories urgently stating that air pollution is severe plus levels, which is hazardous for health. “People are advised to ensure that they minimise personal exposure as far as possible, do not exercise in the open till pollution levels are reduced and in particular minimise the exposure of children, aged and vulnerable.”
The EPCA also prohibited the construction activities in Delhi and NCR till the morning of November 5 while bursting of crackers has been completely banned for the entire winter season. “This is a public health emergency as air pollution is now hazardous and will have adverse health impacts on all particularly the children,” said Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority.
The air quality in Delhi and its adjoining areas – Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad and Noida – further deteriorated on Friday as it plunged to ‘severe’ category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 425 in the morning and at places like Lodhi Road, Delhi University, airport and Mathura Road, the AQI was 401, 452, 482 and 464, respectively. The visibility came down to 600 metres in the early hours of Friday.
