Delhi in Critical State; Public Health Emergency Declared Looking at Major Risks

The environment in India's capital city, Delhi has taken a toll after Diwali that lead the Supreme Court to declare public health emergency today (November 1). Reportedly, the decision should be implemented in the Delhi-NCR region and Supreme court banned construction till November 5.

The major reason for the critical state is the uncontrollable pollution level which entered the "Severe Plus" category. Reportedly the bursting of crackers has also been banned during the winter season by the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA).

“We have to take this as a public health emergency as air pollution will have adverse health impact on all, particularly our children,”  EPCA chairperson Bhure Lal was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The significant risks that could be caused for children out of the prevailing pollution in Delhi include Raised risk or preterm birth, underdeveloped lung and other organs, increased risk of infant mortality, eye, lungs and skin allergies including infections for babies and conditions such as cough, pneumonia and long-term cognitive impairment.

The risk factors for teens include chronic coughs, bronchitis or asthma attacks, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and leukaemia. Binay Bushan, the Directorate of Education (DoE) Delhi is monitoring the situation to decide the shutdown of schools in the city.