People are literally choking on the air in the city because it is so dirty, due to burning fossil fuels for industry, using gasoline in motor vehicles, burning firewood for houses and burning land for agriculture.
Have you heard about the “Air Quality Index?” (A.Q.I.). This index is used by the government to let citizens know how polluted the air is. Citizens can then make informed decisions about how to take action. An A.Q.I. between 0-50 is “good,” 51-100 “satisfactory,” 101-200 “moderate,” 201-300 “poor,” 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 is "severe/ hazardous”. Delhi rests in the “severe/ hazardous” standard. Can you look up your city and compare it to Delhi?
To adapt to the pollution that is continuing to get worse, residents of Delhi are taking precautions to protect themselves and their health from the poor air. Residents, especially children, are recommended to avoid going outdoors in the morning and evening. Residents must also avoid outdoor activities. Many people wear masks to keep out some particulate matter. Some Delhites are changing their lifestyles to stay safe from smog, but many people can’t afford to do so and will have many health consequences. Can you imagine not being able to play outside because of air pollution?
