Air pollution levels in India's capital hit record high
- 6 years ago
Tourists visiting the Indian capital face a new challenge. They can still visit landmarks such as Jama Masjid, the city’s Grand Mosque, but it is barely possible to see them through the thick smog.
And as well as donning modest garments, visitors have started wearing masks, too.
However, whilst they have the option to leave, locals are stuck breathing in the harmful particulates.
Schools closed
Over 4,000 schools in New Dehli have been closed after levels of air pollution hit a record high.
The Air Quality Index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter in the air, stands at 614, over 6 times the level considered safe. The maximum reading on the scale is 500.
“You can see if you run or if you cycle, the amount of pressure you have to exert to breathe in, is tremendously high,” explains local resident, Subhankar Tomar.
Chaos on the roads
On the roads, visibility is poor, causing accidents and several highway pile-ups. But the smog is deadly for pedestrians, too:
00.28 SOT LOCAL RESIDENT, SUBHANKAR TOMAR:
“You can see if you run or if you cycle, the amount of pressure you have to exert to breathe in, is tremendously high.”
00.35 TOURISTS WEARING MASKS AND WALKING BACK AT JAMA MASJID
Locals are accustomed to noxious air, but now even tourists have started wearing masks.
As the authorities struggle to get to grips with the problem, New Delhi’s chief minister has described the city as “a gas chamber.”
00.50 END
And as well as donning modest garments, visitors have started wearing masks, too.
However, whilst they have the option to leave, locals are stuck breathing in the harmful particulates.
Schools closed
Over 4,000 schools in New Dehli have been closed after levels of air pollution hit a record high.
The Air Quality Index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter in the air, stands at 614, over 6 times the level considered safe. The maximum reading on the scale is 500.
“You can see if you run or if you cycle, the amount of pressure you have to exert to breathe in, is tremendously high,” explains local resident, Subhankar Tomar.
Chaos on the roads
On the roads, visibility is poor, causing accidents and several highway pile-ups. But the smog is deadly for pedestrians, too:
00.28 SOT LOCAL RESIDENT, SUBHANKAR TOMAR:
“You can see if you run or if you cycle, the amount of pressure you have to exert to breathe in, is tremendously high.”
00.35 TOURISTS WEARING MASKS AND WALKING BACK AT JAMA MASJID
Locals are accustomed to noxious air, but now even tourists have started wearing masks.
As the authorities struggle to get to grips with the problem, New Delhi’s chief minister has described the city as “a gas chamber.”
00.50 END