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The Indian Central Air pollution Management Board (CPCB) has warned individuals towards going open air, and known as on state leaders to be in “full readiness” for emergency measures, amid worsening air air pollution within the nation’s capital.
In a circular on Friday, the CPCB known as on the federal government and personal companies alike to scale back personal transport utilization by 30%, and suggested residents to not expose themselves to Delhi’s poisonous smog.
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The warning got here amid worsening air air pollution within the Nationwide Capital Area. “Meteorological circumstances will probably be extremely unfavorable for dispersion of pollution until November 18, 2021, resulting from low wind pace … and calm circumstances through the evening,” the board stated.
“Concerned state and implementing agencies must be in complete readiness for implementation of measures under ‘Emergency’ category as per GRAP [Graded Response Action Plan],” it said.
The pollution board’s Graded Response Action Plan requires local authorities to impose emergency measures if air quality remains in the ‘severe’ category for 48 hours. These measures include shutting schools, stopping all construction work, and restricting private car usage. The 24-hour-average air quality index (AQI) readings for the National Capital Region reached 471 on a scale of 500 by 4pm local time on Friday. A day earlier, they had been 411, according to Indian media.
The dense smog covering the city is known to contain dangerous levels of poisonous airborne particulate matter that can cause cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Following Diwali celebrations at the weekend, the levels of one particular particulate, PM2.5, averaged 706 micrograms. For context, the World Health Organization considers annual PM2.5 levels above five micrograms as unsafe.
In an effort to bring the smog under control, the authorities have ordered the operation of brick kilns to be halted. There’s also been a crackdown on garbage-burning and any activities that stir up dust.
Earlier this week, a toxic foam gathered on the Yamuna river, which flows through the National Capital Region. Understood to have been caused by high levels of ammonia and phosphates, the white froth can cause both skin irritation and respiratory problems.
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