Green NGO urges Delhi government to issue advisory on air pollution

NEW DELHI: Highlighting the national capital's alarming air pollution levels, Greenpeace India today submitted a proposal to the Delhi government urging it to issue a health advisory for schools.

Greenpeace and Centre for Occupational Environment and Health ( COEH) representatives met Health Minister Satyendra Jain in this regard.

"He accepted the proposal and ensured that he will look into the aspect of health advisories for schools in Delhi," a Greenpeace spokesperson said.

The green NGO said Delhi's air pollution is "worse than that of Beijing" and called for stringent targets for industrial emissions and an action plan to protect citizens from air pollution.

"Recently, in the air-quality monitoring survey carried out by Greenpeace inside five prominent schools across Delhi, it was found that the PM2.5 levels were 4 times the Indian safety limits and 10 times that of the World Health Organisation's," a statement said.

PM 2.5, are respirable pollution particles which is as much microns in diameter, penetrates the respiratory system far easily than larger particles.

The proposal highlights various aspects of pollution levels, its repercussions along with recommendations that can be implemented on a day-to-day basis for schools as well as the general public.

One of the proposals emphasises on the ways to protect asthmatic students who may experience serious or life-threatening episodes at school.

"Schools ought to know which students have the disease and what staff can do to prevent asthma episodes or provide a quick intervention by alerting teachers, curtailing sports or exercise programs, and providing alternative activities that do not involve heavy physical exertion," it said.

According to the green NGO, the minister has said that the government will soon be launching a campaign on air pollution.