Leonardo DiCaprio posts about Delhi's #RightToBreathe protest; says 'air pollution the 5th-largest killer in India'
The protest saw over 1,500 people gather at India Gate on November 5.
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
Leonardo DiCaprio took to Instagram to share pictures from a protest held in Delhi.
Actor and climate-activist Leonardo DiCaprio has once again turned his attention to climate conditions in India. This time the focus being the dismal air quality in the country's capital of Delhi.
In an Instagram post, the 45-year-old star shared pictures from a protest organised earlier this month at India Gate to demand government action against the declining air quality in the city.
Originally posted by the Instagram account Extinction Rebellion, the Oscar winner reshared the news, saying, "According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution in India is estimated to kill about 1.5 million people every year; these statistics make air pollution the fifth-largest killer in India."
He also highlighted the involvement of people from all age groups in the demonstration, which then 'succeeded in directly triggering action'.
Listing the action taken as a result of the protest, DiCaprio wrote, "1. The Indian Prime Ministers office set up a special panel to address the issue, within a few hours of the protest. The panel is due to report on the issue within 2 weeks. 2. The Supreme Court of India asked the Central Government and respective state governments to fix the crop and waste burning issue of Delhi within a week. 3. The Center accepted that Green Fund will be used to combat toxic air pollution. 4. The Indian Prime Minister asked the Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment urgently so that crop burning is no longer necessary."
However, adding that 'despite these promises, the air is still unsafe'.
The protest, organised as a result of various movements on social media, saw over 1,500 people gather at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate on November 5. Among those rallying for action and initiating the protest were environmentalist S Vimlendu Jha, Bhawreen Khandari from the India chapter of Great Thunberg's Fridays For Future, Tamseel Hussain who runs Let Me Breathe - that covers pollution stories from across India, and FoodTalk India founder Shuchir Suri.
Air pollution in the city reached severe levels post Diwali, and has still not improved to healthy levels, almost a month later.
The 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' star runs The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation that works on environmental issues. In July this year, the foundation became part of Earth Alliance. The philanthropic partnership was dedicated to 'addressing the urgency of climate change and environmental threats to life on Earth'.
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DiCaprio has often raised his voice when it comes environmental issues in India. In September, the actor took to social media to raise awareness for 'Cauvery Calling'. Earlier in June, he discussed the water crisis in Chennai.
Pollution On The Rise: These 6 Common Mistakes Are Hurting Your Health
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Delhi has, once again, been transformed into a gas chamber, with its residents suffering greatly.
According to the government's air quality monitor, SAFAR, the overall AQI (Air Quality Index) in the National Capital, on the day after Diwali stood at 506, touching 999 at 4 am.
The perpetual smog in the air is leading to numerous health issues, including:
- Dryness and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Hypersensitivity and allergies
- Sinus congestion
- Coughing and sneezing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
As the problem persists, we asked Dr Piyush Goyal, senior consultant, pulmonology and critical care at Gurugram's Columbia Asia Hospital, to help us decode some common mistakes that people make that may be worsening the effects of pollution.
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