The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Tuesday wrote to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for the immediate cancellation of Delhi Airtel Half Marathon on 19 November due to 'high level of air pollution' in the city.
IMA President Dr.KK Aggarwal declared 'public health emergency in the city' advising for the closure of schools. He cautioned people not step out of their homes.
The letter said that when Air Quality Index (AQI) levels cross 200, it is "generally advised" that time spent outdoors be restricted, hence outdoor sports and marathons and other activities should be stopped.
IMA declares Delhi in public health emergency state,schools shld be shut & ppl must avoid stepping out-IMA Pres Dr.KK Aggarwal #AirPollution pic.twitter.com/mJ3SbVlGft
— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2017
"Children are more prone to harmful effects of air pollution as their lungs are still growing" read the letter. "Children who play 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" it added.
The government's graded action plan to counter air pollution says that schools must close when AQI levels cross 500. Already, private schools, such as The Shri Ram School, American Embassy School, Sankriti School and Tagore International School have curbed outdoor activities, such as morning assemblies and sports.
Indian Medical Association writes to @ArvindKejriwal asking that the Airtel Delhi half marathon be cancelled due to bad air quality in city pic.twitter.com/gjCxCZiDPj
— Nistula Hebbar (@nistula) November 7, 2017
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