Air pollution | Ministry issues health advisory as Delhi grapples with air emergency | Read in detail

New Delhi, November 10: Amid the ongoing air emergency in the national capital, the Union Health Ministry on Friday issued an advisory for children in Delhi and neighbouring states, addressing the rising concerns of pollution and hazardous air quality.

Despite the smoggy conditions persisting for over a week, New Delhi experienced showers on Friday, leading to a drop in the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) below 400.

As of 10:30 am on Friday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the city's overall AQI at 398. The health advisory, particularly focused on children, urged the school authorities, heads, teachers, and parents to raise awareness and encourage students to adopt practices to combat air pollution.

The advisory emphasised specific precautions during certain seasons, times, and locations prone to higher pollution levels. The ministry suggested the adoption of electric vehicles for school transportation to reduce emissions, encouraging bicycle use for older students, proper classroom ventilation, and 'wet mopping' of school floors. It also recommended avoiding outdoor activities during poor AQI levels.

While morning showers provided a slight improvement in air quality, some areas still recorded 'Severe' AQI. The Regional Meteorological Centre forecasted generally cloudy skies with light rain or thundershowers over the next two days.

Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant and Director General of Health Services, Atul Goel, wrote to their counterparts, emphasising the need for district and city-level action plans for climate change and health, including air pollution surveillance. They called for increased public awareness, capacity building, and preparation in healthcare establishments for handling air pollution-related illnesses.

The Delhi Government is reportedly exploring urgent measures to address air pollution, including the possibility of 'artificial rain.' Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is currently in effect across the national capital.

- ANI

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