The World Health Organization (WHO) considers concentration levels of PM2.5 pollutants (dangerous, carcinogenic microparticles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs) above 15 micrograms in 24 hours to be unhealthy. Meanwhile in the north India this limit was definitely exceeded.
Work on construction sites suspended, schools closed. Difficult situation in India
In the capital of New Delhi, as much as 1,117 micrograms (!) were detected at one station, which is 74 times the maximum concentration specified by WHO. In most of the city this rate was 50-60 times higher. This is according to data from IQAir, which collects and publishes data on air pollution around the world. Unfortunately for Indians, such poor air quality is expected to persist throughout the week.
Associated Press describes that the situation is so bad that the authorities began to enforce stage 4 of the graduated response plan, i.e. GRAP 4, which depends on the degree of air pollution. Classes for all classes, except 10th and 12th, will be held online and no trucks will be allowed to enter the city except those carrying essential items. Driving older vehicles and working on construction sites is also prohibited. It was recommended to wear masks.
The smog is blamed on… farmers. “State of medical emergency”
– The people of Delhi are really worried, they can't breathe – said Marlena Atishi, who currently holds the position of premiere Delhi. – I answered all night long phones from people who had to admit their elderly parents to hospital due to breathing problems, or from parents looking for steroid inhalers for their children, she added.
Interestingly, he blames farmers who burn stubble for the deterioration of air and pollution. – Stubble fields are being burned all over the country, in every state, everywhere, a government domestic does nothing. Today, as a result, the entire north of India has been pushed into a state of medical emergency, Atishi thundered.