On October 25, the Ministry of Health urged all states to strengthen their preparedness and increase the capacity of their health workforce to address rising air pollution in cities, especially as the festive and winter season approaches.

The Union Health Ministry has also advised the public to use public transport and avoid heavily congested areas.

In a letter to states and Union Territories, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Atul Goel recommended discouraging stubble and waste burning. He called for increased awareness on minimizing the use of firecrackers during festivities, promoting public transport, reducing reliance on diesel generators and curbing smoking.

“People should be encouraged to reduce their exposure to air pollution by checking air quality indices through government mobile apps before going outdoors, avoiding crowded areas and using cleaner fuels at home for cooking, heating and lighting,” he said. Goel stated in his letter to states and UTs.

He noted that air pollution has become a significant health concern, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several states/UTs falling in moderate to poor categories. This situation can get worse with the festive season and winter ahead.

Long-term exposure to air pollution contributes to acute health problems and worsens chronic conditions related to the respiratory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. It can also lead to increased premature mortality, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions, as well as those in high-risk occupations such as the police road and municipal workers.

Goel urged state health departments and health care facilities to improve their preparedness by intensifying public awareness campaigns, using targeted messages in regional languages, improving the capacity of the health workforce and increasing participation in disease-related surveillance systems. of air pollution as part of the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health.

Outdoor activities, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, should be limited, the letter added. People experiencing worsening symptoms or discomfort due to poor air quality should seek immediate medical attention.

Air quality concerns in Delhi

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on October 25 announced the implementation of drone surveillance in all 13 pollution hotspots in the city, where AQI levels often exceed normal limits.

During a visit to Wazirpur industrial area, one of the hotspots, Rai stressed that the AAP government is working tirelessly to combat pollution.

Air quality in the national capital showed a slight improvement on October 24 due to increased wind speeds that helped disperse pollutants, though the AQI remained in the “very poor” category. The 24-hour average AQI recorded at 4pm was 306, down from 364 the previous day. However, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that pollution levels in Delhi were the highest in the country.

Among 241 cities, only Delhi entered the ‘very poor’ category on the day, while neighboring areas like Faridabad, Noida, Gurugram and Greater Noida recorded AQI levels in the ‘poor’ category.

Air quality is classified into four stages:

• Stage I: “Weak” (AQI 201-300)
• Stage II: “Very poor” (AQI 301-400)
• Stage III: “Severe” (AQI 401-450)
• Stage IV: “Severe Plus” (AQI over 450)

Meanwhile, the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan has been implemented in Delhi, banning the use of coal and firewood – including in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open-air restaurants – as well as diesel generators (except for emergency services and essential). ).