New Delhi: As Diwali approaches, Delhi's residents have reason to dread about. Already a thick smog envelopes the national capital, and rampant bursting of fire-crackers could worsen air pollution.
Residents Welfare Associations (RAW) of many colonies in the city have expressed concern over growing pollution, and requested Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit to instruct departments of her government to keep a watch on air pollution in the city during Diwali.
The East Delhi Residents Welfare Associations (RWA) Joint Forum has made a special request to the chief minister that her government monitor the use of crackers during the festival.
In a letter to the chief minister, the RWAs also told the chief minister that her government ought to arrange for emergency medical services to meet any eventuality on Diwali day and immediately afterwards.
The RWAs have sought the cooperation of private hospitals too, in case of emergency.
"We still have four days before Diwali, and the media could generate awareness, so that there are no crackers at all, at least this Diwali. Please look into it and issue the required advisory," said BS Vohra, president of East Delhi RWAs Joint Front.
Carbon monoxide levels in the city now touch 7.3 mg/cu while permissible levels are only 2-4 mg/cu. Nitrogen dioxide levels touch 267g/cu whereas permitted level in the air is just 60-80g/cu.
The air pollution levels in Delhi are already alarming. With Diwali, even breathing here could be hard, Vohra said.
IANS
First Published: Thursday, November 08, 2012, 18:57