Air pollution in Delhi is terrible before the Bangladesh match, urgent meeting is called

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will face each other today in Delhi in the 38th match of Cricket World Cup. But before that, the air pollution in the Indian capital has become worse. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a high-level emergency meeting to deal with the situation.

Delhi’s air quality (Air Quality Index or AQI) remained at ‘severe’ levels for the fifth day in a row on Monday (November 6), according to Indian media NDTV. The city recorded an average AQI of 488.

Read more>> Bangladesh-Sri Lanka team practice canceled over air pollution

Bangladesh will take on the Lankans at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi at 2:40 PM Bangladesh time on Monday. But before that, air pollution has disrupted the practice of both teams. Shakib Al Hasan’s team canceled practice last Friday due to the toxic air in Delhi. Sri Lanka also announced the same on Saturday.

The local government has announced closure of all schools up to class V in Delhi till November 10 as the pollution situation has not improved. Although it is not mandatory to close schools for classes VI to XII, online teaching has been suggested.

Read more>> Air pollution in Delhi, decision to close schools

For the past few days, the entire Delhi has been covered in toxic smog. Doctors have warned that it can cause breathing problems and eye diseases in children and the elderly.

Strict action by the government The Central Government of India has implemented the fourth level ‘Graded Response Action Plan’ (GRAP) in Delhi and its surrounding cities to combat the terrible air pollution. The highest level of warning is issued only in areas where the air AQI is 450 or above in the country.

Read more>> Average life expectancy of Bangladeshis is reduced by almost 7 years due to air pollution

With the implementation of GRAP, entry of trucks into Delhi is now prohibited. Trucks carrying only essential goods or providing emergency services and LNG, CNG or electricity powered trucks will be exempted from this ban.

Besides, all construction and demolition work in Delhi including government projects like roads, bridges, power lines have also been suspended.

KAA/