Greenpeace finds peak pollution levels to be 3 times the Indian safety limits in Delhi

Ahead of the United States President Barack Obama’s Delhi visit for the 66th Republic Day celebration, the choking levels of air pollution in the city have been peaking again.

 

Greenpeace India decided to do a real-time check on the pollution levels along the trail the President is likely to take. PM2.5 levels monitored at several locations including that of the Raj Ghat and Hyderabad House revealed unhealthy and hazardous quality of air.

 

Releasing the results of the monitoring on Saturday, Greenpeace India Campaigner, Aishwaraya Madineni said, “We wanted to find out how much pollution President Obama is expected to breathe. Our data and readings are quite shocking. Despite the wet weather, the real-time, instant exposure levels were found to be poor and unhealthy. The precautionary measures being taken by the U.S. Govt to ensure the safety of their president is a clear indication of how unacceptable the pollution levels in Delhi are. President Obama will soon be returning home, but the people of Delhi will be left to breathe the same toxic air.”

 

Following President Obama’s trail, Greenpeace used an air-monitoring device called PDR 1500, to track the pollution levels in six different locations at which President Obama is expected. This device monitors fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers.

 

World over, PM2.5 has been recognised as a major health hazard resulting in a wide range of illnesses including that of cancer. Its impacts are felt most on the respiratory, reproductive and cardiac systems leading to an increased rate of mortality.

 

“Delhi’s air quality was at its worst this winter with heavy episodes of smog leading to PM2.5 averages soaring at 320micrograms/cubic meter. This is extremely dangerous. There is an urgent need to curb the air pollution levels in the city and I hope the Indian Govt recognises and accepts the need to act now in order to protect and safe-guard the health of its own citizens,” said Aishwarya.

 

The Indian Govt’s “ambient air-quality standards” are several times lower than that of the WHO’s and the annual averages set by Beijing. This consistent and increasing trend in Delhi’s air pollution levels is a cause of concern and a serious health hazard. There is an immediate need to put in place stringent actions that will result in improved air quality in the city, Greenpeace India stated.