As the city recorded a sharp dip in air quality, the Indian Medical Association on Tuesday said Delhi was witnessing a "public health emergency" and appealed to the Delhi government to stop outdoor sports and other such activities in schools to protect the health of children.
In a letter to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, IMA National President Dr KK Aggarwal and the Secretary General Dr RN Tandon, said children are "especially at risk" in air quality ranging from 'poor' to 'severe'.
The IMA mentioned in the letter that when Air Quality Index (AQI) levels cross 200, it is "generally advised" that time spent outdoors be restricted.
"Hence all outdoor sports, marathons and other outdoor activities in schools should be stopped.
"Children are more prone to harmful effects of air pollution as their lungs are still growing," the letter said.
The IMA stated that children, who play or exercise outdoors need more oxygen, so they take in more polluted air into their lungs, which hampers the growth of their lungs leading to breathing problems later on in life.
"We appeal to you to stop all outdoor activities and sports in schools due to the very poor air quality keeping in view the harmful impact of air pollution on health of children and immediately issue an advisory in this regard for all schools in Delhi-NCR, which should be disseminated through different media such as radio, print including social media.
The association has also urged organisers of the Delhi half marathon and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking cancellation of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon because of the increased pollution levels in the air.
The event is scheduled to be held on 19 November.
Published Date: Nov 07, 2017 08:30 pm | Updated Date: Nov 07, 2017 08:29 pm
Highlights
'EPCA directions are mandatory, legally mandated'
The EPCA's directions to "immediately" slash metro fares and hike parking fees today put authorities in Delhi in a spot, but the law is clear that the Supreme Court-appointed body's orders are binding.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said it was yet to take a decision on slashing fares temporarily, while municipal bodies argued their standing committees will have to clear the decision on enhancing parking fees first.
PCA member Sunita Narain told PTI that the orders are legally mandated. The decisions have been conveyed to the chief secretaries of the states who will in
turn ensure their implementation, she said. PTI
Haryana govt changes school timings
In view of the dense smog that has engulfed the state during the past few days, the Haryana government has decided that the timings of all government aided and unaided private schools will be from 9 a to 3.30 pm till 30 November.
Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said in an official release that these orders will be applicable with immediate effect.- PTI
Manish Sisodia asks schools not to hold any outdoor activities
Arvind Kejriwal seeks appointment with Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan
As Delhi recorded a sharp dip in its air quality on Tuesday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sought an appointment with Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, which was denied as the latter was in Germany to attend a climate change summit.
A government official said the chief minister wanted to discuss with the Union minister the possible emergency measures required to bring down high pollution level.
Read more
Manish Sisodia says schools to remain closed tomorrow; odd-even may be applied if condition worsens
Delhi government's meeting on pollution underway
Meanwhile, NGT orders Delhi govt to make atleast one market plastic-free
Dissatisfied over improper implementation of its plastic ban order, the National Green Tribunal on Tuesday directed the Delhi government and the civic bodies to pick and choose a particular market to make it plastic-free.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the AAP government, three municipal corporations and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to sit together and select at least one market to implement the ban.
Schools suspend outdoor activities, ask students to wear masks
As a choking blanket of smog enveloped the national capital on Tuesday, a number of schools in Delhi suspended outdoor activities and advised parents to ensure their children wear masks.
"Dear parents, please note that due to high pollution levels/unfavourable weather conditions in Delhi, morning sports practice has been suspended for a few days," read a message by Sanskriti School. PTI
8,000 masks distributed to CISF personnel involved in Metro security, 5,000 to those in Airport security
Delhi govt should start preparing for imposing conditions if pollution conditions aggravate, says EPCA
The Delhi government should start preparing for imposing conditions if pollution conditions aggravate, said EPCA. Conditions include-stopping entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except essential commodities), introduction of odd-even scheme for private vehicles based on license plate numbers with minimal exceptions.Delhi, Haryana,UP and Rajasthan must start preparations as soon as possible, EPCA added.
EPCA directs immediate hike of parking fee by four times
Sisodia demands report of city pollution level before decision on schools
Sisodia, who is also Delhi's education minister, has directed the environment department to submit a report on the city's pollution level by this evening. He said that the Delhi government would take a final decision on the closure of schools and introduction of the odd-even car rationing scheme after examining the report.- PTI
Delhi HC observes "situation is grave in wake of advisories issued against sending children to school and discouraging morning walks by people"
Delhi HC says stubble burning visible villain but there are other contributory factors
Delhi HC asks Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan to inform about action taken against stubble burning
Average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 3 pm was 446
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 3 p.m. was 446 — with major pollutant PM2.5, or particles with diameter less than 2.5mm recorded at 418 units. This is worse than a day-after Diwali — October 20, 2017 when the AQI was recorded at 403, while the effluents on Tuesday were just few a notches below the index value recorded a day after Diwali-2016 (October 31) which was 443.
The average AQI in Delhi-NCR combined was recorded 412 -- considered 'severe', while PM2.5 volume was 400 units as reported by CPCB at 1 pm.
EPCA also instructs Delhi Metro to lower fares during off-peak hours for at least 10 days
Biomass burning in Punjab making its effect here, says MoS Environment Mahesh Sharma
Environment body EPCA recommends vehicle parking fee to be hiked four times to curb air pollution
Measures are being taken; advised water sprinkling at construction sites: MoS Environment M Sharma
Dense smog delays flights at Delhi airport by hours; one runway functional
Sources at the Indira Gandhi International Airport said that due to low visibility on the shorter runway 9/27, they could only use runway 10/28 in the morning. The official added that the second runway was opened after visibility improved. According to officials of the India Meteorological Department, runway visibility between 7 am and 8 am was less than 200 metres and improved around 11 am. Read more here.
Meanwhile, stubble burning in Punjab reduced by 30 percent, says Punjab Pollution Control Board
Toxicity in Delhi's RK Puram air hits new low at 923
33 inbound trains delayed by three hours or more as smog affects visibility
Kejriwal calls city a gas chamber
Calling the city a 'gas chamber', Kejriwal said that every year at this time of the year the same situation was faced. He added that they needed to find a solution to the problem of crop burning practised in the neighbouring states.
NGT pulls up Delhi, UP and Haryana govt over smog situation
CISF issues 9,000 masks to jawans on duty
CPCB says high moisture level in the air has trapped emissions
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said high moisture level in the air has trapped emissions from local sources and hanging low over the city in the absence of wind. Dipankar Saha, CPCB's air lab chief, told PTI that air from neighbouring Punjab and Haryana, where paddy stubble burning is in full swing, is not entering the city as of now. Read more here.
IMA also suggests schools should be shut and people must avoid stepping out
IMA declares public health emergy as air quality levels fall
As Delhi and the National Capital Region saw a sharp decline in air quality levels and recorded 'very poor' air quality, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared the city in a public health emergency state and urged schools to stop all outdoor activities to keep children out of hazardous air pollution levels. Read more here.
Glimpses of smog in Delhi
CM Arvind Kejriwal asks Manish Sisodia to shut down all schools
More than 20 flights delayed due to intense smog at Indira Gandhi International airport
20:22 (IST)
'EPCA directions are mandatory, legally mandated'
The EPCA's directions to "immediately" slash metro fares and hike parking fees today put authorities in Delhi in a spot, but the law is clear that the Supreme Court-appointed body's orders are binding.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said it was yet to take a decision on slashing fares temporarily, while municipal bodies argued their standing committees will have to clear the decision on enhancing parking fees first.
PCA member Sunita Narain told PTI that the orders are legally mandated. The decisions have been conveyed to the chief secretaries of the states who will in
turn ensure their implementation, she said. PTI
19:10 (IST)
Haryana govt changes school timings
In view of the dense smog that has engulfed the state during the past few days, the Haryana government has decided that the timings of all government aided and unaided private schools will be from 9 a to 3.30 pm till 30 November.
Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said in an official release that these orders will be applicable with immediate effect.- PTI
18:21 (IST)
Manish Sisodia asks schools not to hold any outdoor activities
18:19 (IST)
Arvind Kejriwal seeks appointment with Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan
As Delhi recorded a sharp dip in its air quality on Tuesday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sought an appointment with Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan, which was denied as the latter was in Germany to attend a climate change summit.
A government official said the chief minister wanted to discuss with the Union minister the possible emergency measures required to bring down high pollution level.
Read more
18:15 (IST)
Manish Sisodia says schools to remain closed tomorrow; odd-even may be applied if condition worsens
17:39 (IST)
Delhi government's meeting on pollution underway
17:33 (IST)
Meanwhile, NGT orders Delhi govt to make atleast one market plastic-free
Dissatisfied over improper implementation of its plastic ban order, the National Green Tribunal on Tuesday directed the Delhi government and the civic bodies to pick and choose a particular market to make it plastic-free.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the AAP government, three municipal corporations and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to sit together and select at least one market to implement the ban.
17:28 (IST)
Schools suspend outdoor activities, ask students to wear masks
As a choking blanket of smog enveloped the national capital on Tuesday, a number of schools in Delhi suspended outdoor activities and advised parents to ensure their children wear masks.
"Dear parents, please note that due to high pollution levels/unfavourable weather conditions in Delhi, morning sports practice has been suspended for a few days," read a message by Sanskriti School. PTI
17:10 (IST)
8,000 masks distributed to CISF personnel involved in Metro security, 5,000 to those in Airport security
16:58 (IST)
Delhi govt should start preparing for imposing conditions if pollution conditions aggravate, says EPCA
The Delhi government should start preparing for imposing conditions if pollution conditions aggravate, said EPCA. Conditions include-stopping entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except essential commodities), introduction of odd-even scheme for private vehicles based on license plate numbers with minimal exceptions.Delhi, Haryana,UP and Rajasthan must start preparations as soon as possible, EPCA added.
16:54 (IST)
EPCA directs immediate hike of parking fee by four times
16:46 (IST)
Sisodia demands report of city pollution level before decision on schools
Sisodia, who is also Delhi's education minister, has directed the environment department to submit a report on the city's pollution level by this evening. He said that the Delhi government would take a final decision on the closure of schools and introduction of the odd-even car rationing scheme after examining the report.- PTI
16:39 (IST)
Delhi HC observes "situation is grave in wake of advisories issued against sending children to school and discouraging morning walks by people"
16:28 (IST)
Delhi HC says stubble burning visible villain but there are other contributory factors
16:23 (IST)
Delhi HC asks Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan to inform about action taken against stubble burning
16:22 (IST)
Average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 3 pm was 446
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi at 3 p.m. was 446 — with major pollutant PM2.5, or particles with diameter less than 2.5mm recorded at 418 units. This is worse than a day-after Diwali — October 20, 2017 when the AQI was recorded at 403, while the effluents on Tuesday were just few a notches below the index value recorded a day after Diwali-2016 (October 31) which was 443.
The average AQI in Delhi-NCR combined was recorded 412 -- considered 'severe', while PM2.5 volume was 400 units as reported by CPCB at 1 pm.
16:01 (IST)
EPCA also instructs Delhi Metro to lower fares during off-peak hours for at least 10 days
15:50 (IST)
Biomass burning in Punjab making its effect here, says MoS Environment Mahesh Sharma
15:45 (IST)
Environment body EPCA recommends vehicle parking fee to be hiked four times to curb air pollution
15:42 (IST)
Measures are being taken; advised water sprinkling at construction sites: MoS Environment M Sharma
15:36 (IST)
Dense smog delays flights at Delhi airport by hours; one runway functional
Sources at the Indira Gandhi International Airport said that due to low visibility on the shorter runway 9/27, they could only use runway 10/28 in the morning. The official added that the second runway was opened after visibility improved. According to officials of the India Meteorological Department, runway visibility between 7 am and 8 am was less than 200 metres and improved around 11 am. Read more here.
15:30 (IST)
Meanwhile, stubble burning in Punjab reduced by 30 percent, says Punjab Pollution Control Board
15:26 (IST)
Toxicity in Delhi's RK Puram air hits new low at 923
15:25 (IST)
33 inbound trains delayed by three hours or more as smog affects visibility
15:19 (IST)
Kejriwal calls city a gas chamber
Calling the city a 'gas chamber', Kejriwal said that every year at this time of the year the same situation was faced. He added that they needed to find a solution to the problem of crop burning practised in the neighbouring states.
15:14 (IST)
NGT pulls up Delhi, UP and Haryana govt over smog situation
15:09 (IST)
CISF issues 9,000 masks to jawans on duty
15:02 (IST)
CPCB says high moisture level in the air has trapped emissions
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said high moisture level in the air has trapped emissions from local sources and hanging low over the city in the absence of wind. Dipankar Saha, CPCB's air lab chief, told PTI that air from neighbouring Punjab and Haryana, where paddy stubble burning is in full swing, is not entering the city as of now. Read more here.
15:00 (IST)
IMA also suggests schools should be shut and people must avoid stepping out
14:59 (IST)
IMA declares public health emergy as air quality levels fall
As Delhi and the National Capital Region saw a sharp decline in air quality levels and recorded 'very poor' air quality, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) declared the city in a public health emergency state and urged schools to stop all outdoor activities to keep children out of hazardous air pollution levels. Read more here.
14:52 (IST)
Glimpses of smog in Delhi
14:50 (IST)
CM Arvind Kejriwal asks Manish Sisodia to shut down all schools
14:41 (IST)
More than 20 flights delayed due to intense smog at Indira Gandhi International airport