Mon Nov 18 12:54:17 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Chokes on Severe Air Pollution: Experts Urge Residents to Take Protective Measures

**New Delhi, India** – Delhi is grappling with its worst November air pollution in years, prompting experts to urge residents to take immediate action to minimize their exposure. Air quality has reached “severe plus” levels, triggering Stage-IV restrictions under the Graded Action Plan, including school closures (excluding classes 10 and 12), vehicle restrictions, and a ban on construction and demolition.

Experts from various environmental organizations and research institutions advise residents to reduce outdoor activities, minimize exposure to polluted air, and wear N95 masks when venturing outside. Dr. Gufran Beig, a former project director of the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research, stressed the importance of using N95 masks (though acknowledging their limitations), ensuring proper ventilation (avoiding completely sealed rooms), and adopting cleaner fuels to reduce vehicular emissions.

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director of the Centre for Science and Environment, emphasized the need for residents to avoid adding to the problem by staying indoors and limiting outdoor activities. She highlighted that current adverse meteorological conditions hinder natural air purification and that significant pollution reduction requires addressing major emission sources.

Sunil Dahiya, founder of Envirocatalysts, called the situation an “emergency,” particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. He urged residents to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, use public transport, and adopt better waste management practices. He also highlighted the importance of reducing electricity consumption to lessen reliance on coal-fired power plants. Dahiya further stressed the need for citizens to actively demand emission reductions from both government and corporations.

The experts’ advice underscores the urgent need for collective action to combat the severe air pollution crisis affecting Delhi. The situation highlights the need for both individual responsibility in mitigating exposure and systemic changes to address the root causes of pollution.

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