Pollution is continuously increasing in Chandigarh. For the first time, AQI has crossed 400. The administration has also issued an advisory for prevention.
Air pollution has set new records in Chandigarh, known as City Beautiful. Pollution once again reached new heights in the city on Wednesday. On Wednesday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) increased from Tuesday’s 358 to 409, which is dangerous for health. The day started with the first fog of the season which reduced visibility to zero. Traffic was affected in the morning due to fog. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of light fog today.
At 7 pm, Sector 22 recorded AQI 409, which increased health problems for people. People were in a bad condition due to fog and pollution. According to the information released by the Central Pollution Control Board, Chandigarh was the fifth most polluted city in the country. According to the standards, an AQI of more than 400 comes under a serious condition and is harmful for the health of people and especially for patients. After burning crackers etc. on the night of Diwali, the AQI was recorded at 395 but on Wednesday people had to breathe even worse air.
Darkness started to prevail from 5 pm
The pollution level in the city remained quite high throughout the day on Wednesday, due to which there was fog in the atmosphere and by evening the situation worsened. Darkness also set in early in the evening as compared to normal days. According to the Meteorological Department, the time of sunset was fixed at 5:27 pm but due to the layer of pollution, darkness started to prevail on the roads from around 5 pm. Due to fog and pollution, drivers had to resort to lights. The reason for this serious condition of pollution is believed to be burning of stubble in the surrounding areas and changing weather. Meteorological Department officials have also expressed little possibility of improvement in the pollution level in the coming days and have advised people to avoid going out of the house unless it is very necessary.
Administration issued advisory on air pollution
1. A health advisory was issued by the administration to reduce the impact of air pollution and mentioned the following things.
2. Avoid places with high air pollution such as slow and heavy traffic roads, areas near polluting industries, construction-demolition sites.
3. Avoid walking, running, jogging and physical exercise outside in the morning and late evening. Do not open external doors and windows during morning and late evening hours, may ventilate if necessary between 12 to four in the afternoon.
4. Avoid burning biomass such as wood, coal, animal dung, kerosene. Use clean smokeless fuel (gas or electricity) for cooking and heating purposes. If biomass is being used, use clean stove for cooking.
5. Avoid burning wood/charcoal in Angethi during winter, in closed and confined condition which may be fatal due to CO and carbon dioxide produced.
6. Avoid the use of room fresheners, it has a bad effect as it consumes O2 in the surrounding area very fast.
7. Do not smoke cigarettes, bidis and related tobacco products.
8. Avoid burning mosquito coils and incense sticks in closed premises.
9. Reschedule outdoor activities as per the AQI, and stay indoors on days with poor to severe AQI.
10. Practice wet mopping instead of sweeping or vacuum cleaning inside homes. If you want to use a vacuum cleaner, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
11. Keep washing your eyes regularly with running water and rinse with warm water regularly.
12. Consult the nearest doctor in case of shortness of breath, dizziness, cough, chest discomfort or pain, burning sensation in the eyes.
13. A healthy diet with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and adequate hydration from drinking water is advocated.
14. On bad days with severe air pollution, consider using a close-fitting N-95 or N-99 mask to reduce exposure to air pollutants.
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