People check out of Delhi city to escape Diwali toxic air

With agencies warning of fastly sliding pollution levels to plunge further around Diwali due to localised emissions combining with stubble burning, people in the city have planned to head someplace else to ring in the festival. The idea is to avoid the intense gas chamber Delhi becomes during the festival of lights as thick smog engulfs it. Diwali is scheduled for November 7 this year.

Couples with young children are among those who have decided to travel few days before Diwali. Doctors have also warned of children being at greater risk of developing respiratory troubles if exposed to toxic air for long. Parents reason that their kids'health cannot be kept at stake. "I will be going to some hill station nearby for at least a week till Diwali induced pollution subsides. Last year, my four-year-old had to be admitted to hospital as his cough and breathlessness had intensified," said Munish Jindal, a PR professional from Janakpuri. "I will miss performing pooja at home and being with relatives and friends on the occasion. But I cannot risk my children's health, both of whom are toddlers," Revati Subramanium, mother of twins in Mayur Vihar, said.

Others like Amit Rana who originally hails from Nainital has already sent his elderly parents back to his hometown. "I will also be travelling during the Diwali week. For the past two years since Delhi started turning poisonous around this festival, we have not celebrated it here," he stated. Brijlata Khetarpal, a septuagenarian will also be travelling to Goa with her grandkids, son, and daughter-in-law for Diwali. "The air has been deteriorating every day. We will prefer to be away from home instead of falling sick. There is no charm or excitement among us or the kids even for Diwali, thanks to the pollution," she rued.

FLEEING GAS CHAMBER

Couples with young children are among those who have decided to travel few days before Diwali. Doctors have also warned of children being at greater risk of developing respiratory troubles if exposed to toxic air for long.