New Delhi, Nov 7: The Indian Medical Association has declared that Delhi is in public health emergency state as air pollution rose to ‘severe’ on Tuesday and smog engulfed the city. The IMA has written to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal advising that schools should be shut for some time. IMA President Dr KK Aggarwal has also said that people must avoid stepping out.
This came as the average air quality index (AQI) in the national capital hit 396 (very poor). The level of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 was above 300 in many areas in Delhi, which indicates air quality as ‘hazardous’. Reaching an alarming level, PM 10 was at 999 in some areas as indicated on the Air Quality Index website.Pollution levels in Delhi as on Nov 7 at 11:35 am (aqicn)
The Indian Medical Association has also sought cancellation of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon this year due to the rising level of pollution and deadly smog. The panel has written to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal calling for cancellation of the event that is scheduled for November 19.