New Delhi (NVI): Aggravated by continued stubble burning in its vicinity, the National Capital Region’s air quality remains “severe” with the layer of smoky haze enveloping it to the detriment of the residents even as the Delhi government went into a damage control mode.
The CPCB air quality index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter, touched a high 516 in Jahangirpuri area, which falls in the “severe” category here on October 31.
The index has exceeded 500 which is classified as most severe level on the government scale, which means these tiny poisonous particulate matter can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly diseases including respiratory illnesses, cancer and cardiac problems.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has advised parents to send their children for classes wearing masks and shifting outdoor activities indoors. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has said that the government may consider shutting the schools if the situation worsens.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on October 30 announced that his government will distribute 50 lakh N95 masks among students in both government and private schools in Delhi. “A kit of mask having two pieces of N95, one of the good quality masks for tackling smog, will be given to students. Masks will be distributed for one week,” he said.
-sb
