Air Pollution Crisis Darkens Cricket World Cup Excitement In India Amid Health Scare
On Thursday, New Delhi, the capital of India, found itself shrouded in a toxic haze, raising concerns about another looming public health crisis in the Indian capital. Government agencies have issued warnings that pollution levels could worsen in the coming days, despite ongoing efforts to mitigate the situation.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Anand Vihar area of the city reached a staggering 415 on a scale of 500, categorizing the air quality as "severe." Such levels of pollution can adversely impact both healthy individuals and those with preexisting health conditions. A healthy AQI typically falls within the range of 0-50. The onset of winter in the region typically brings a decline in air quality, accompanied by an uptick in respiratory illnesses, often prompting school closures and disruptions to industrial activities.
In response to the crisis, the New Delhi government has instituted a ban on the entry of diesel buses and announced that construction activities will be halted if the situation persists.
The alarming AQI levels have not only drawn attention locally but also propelled New Delhi and Lahore, in neighbouring Pakistan, to the top of a real-time list of the world's most polluted cities, as compiled by the Swiss group IQAir. Furthermore, India's financial hub, Mumbai, ranks among the 15 most polluted cities globally.
The deteriorating air quality has cast a pall over the ongoing cricket World Cup, with enthusiastic fans converging at stadiums across Indian cities. In Mumbai, the AQI hovered around the 200-mark in anticipation of Thursday's match between India and Sri Lanka. The city is gearing up to host the tournament's semifinal on November 15, expecting a substantial turnout.
In a bid to address the issue, India's cricket board (BCCI) recently declared a ban on firework displays during the remaining matches of the tournament, recognizing it as a crucial step in combating pollution. Players, too, have not been silent on the matter, with England's Joe Root revealing breathing difficulties during a game, and India's Rohit Sharma urging changes for the sake of "future generations." As air quality concerns loom large, the cricketing world and authorities are being called upon to take action to safeguard the health of players and fans alike.
