India: Driving restrictions in Delhi Nov. 13-17 (air pollution) /update 2

Event

The government of the Indian capital New Delhi will implement temporary driving restrictions in a bid to reduce alarmingly high levels of air pollution. Private cars will only be allowed on the streets of the capital on alternate days from Monday, November 13, through Friday, November 17. The restrictions will be based on license plate numbers, i.e. whether they end in an odd or even digit.

The Indian Medical Association, which has declared a state of medical emergency, has urged organizers of the November 19 New Delhi Half Marathon to cancel the event due to health concerns. However, organizers maintain that the event will go forward as planned.

The President of the Indian Medical Association is advising residents to remain indoors as much as possible, especially the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals with asthma or cardiac issues. He also reiterated that the Delhi half-marathon should be canceled, along with all other sporting activities.

Context

The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the alarming level of 448 on a scale of 500 in New Delhi on November 8, posing a severe risk to public health. Schools were ordered to be closed until November 12.

New Delhi faced its worst period of air pollution in decades in 2016, when approximately 1 million children were required to stay home from school and thousands of people were hospitalized for respiratory illnesses. Authorities claim the current spike in pollution is due in part to farmers in neighboring states burning crops ahead of the upcoming growing season.

Advice

Individuals present in New Delhi are advised to monitor the situation in the coming days, limit outdoor activity, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. If experiencing breathing difficulties, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.