Public health emergency in Delhi-NCR, declares pollution control body, bans construction work, bursting of firecrackers

Environment Pollution (prevention & control) Authority has declared a public health emergency in the Delhi-NCR and banned construction work till November 5 and bursting of crackers throughout the winter season in the region.  

As Delhi's air quality continues to deteriorate, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal earlier in the day said that the region has turned into a gas chamber. The chief minister was distributing anti-pollution masks to school students. 

Going by the latest reports, the Air Quality Index in Noida was recorded at (PM2.5 level) 656, Delhi (PM2.5 level) 533 and Gurugram (PM2.5 level) 528, all under the severe category. 

Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority: This is a public health emergency as air pollution is now hazardous and will have adverse health impacts on all particularly the children. #DelhiNCR https://t.co/y2SAZlaLBJ

— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2019

The N95 mask, distributed by the Delhi government to the school students covers the nose & mouth and filters up to 95% of the pollutants.

As NCR reels under 'very poor' pollution levels after Diwali celebrations, the Delhi government had yesterday issued a circular advising school to ensure that no outdoor activities are organised till severe pollution condition persists.

"The present air quality condition in Delhi is a cause of concern for all. To ensure that students studying in schools of Delhi are not adversely affected due to the current air quality, all the heads of government, government-aided and unaided recognised schools under Directorate of Education are hereby directed to sensitise the parents of the students about the worrisome air quality situation prevailing in and across Delhi and further appeal them to restrain their children from undertaking outdoor activities till severe pollution condition persists," read the circular by the Directorate of Education.