Urgent Advisory Issued: Union Health Secretary Calls for Immediate Action as Air Pollution Reaches Alarming Levels Across States and UTs
The Union Health Secretary issued a new advisory on Monday in response to the rising air pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has escalated into the ‘severe plus’ category, nearing 500. The advisory recommended that States and Union Territories bolster their health systems and increase awareness among vulnerable populations. By Sunday evening, Delhi ranked as the second-most polluted city in India with an AQI of 457, which worsened to 494 by Monday afternoon.
In response to the critical situation, authorities in Delhi-NCR have activated Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, following an emergency meeting on Sunday night. The Supreme Court also ordered the implementation of these new measures on Monday, insisting that all Delhi-NCR governments comply with the fresh regulations. It called for the immediate formation of monitoring teams and the establishment of a grievance redress mechanism for reporting violations. Authorities are also considering suspending physical classes for students up to Class 12.
The restrictions will persist even if the AQI drops below the severe threshold of 450. Chief Minister Atishi attributed the dire pollution levels to stubble burning in neighboring states, which is a significant contributor to this seasonal environmental crisis. She criticized the BJP-led central government for politicizing pollution issues without addressing the stubble burning in states like Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, which exacerbate the air quality crisis.
This urgent situation underscores the need for immediate and effective action to tackle air pollution, a threat that affects both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions. The developing crisis demands an integrated approach involving both local and central government initiatives to mitigate air pollution’s impact on public health.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/india/union-health-secretary-issues-advisory-for-states-and-uts-as-air-pollution-hits-severe-plus-levels-in-several-areas-11731950549463.html
Category :
Tags:
