The Southeast Asia region, including India, has about 3.9 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), representing 10 per cent of the global burden, WHO's Regional Director, South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, said ahead of World AIDS Day. In the region, 78 per cent of PLHIV knew their status in 2023. While 66 per cent received lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, 64 per cent had suppressed viral load. Wazed informed that despite treatments, the region also has a high burden (80,000 children and adolescents aged 0-14) due to vertical transmission (mother-to-child); and about 53,000 infants are born with congenital syphilis. "These children are one too many as there are effective interventions to eliminate mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, labour, and childbirth," she said. "While we have made significant strides in reducing HIV/AIDS rates through strong national commitments, we must acknowledge the ongoing challenges that persist," Wazed noted. In addition, marginalised populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, people who inject drugs, trans and gender-diverse individuals, and prisoners continue to face disproportionate impacts due to stigma, discrimination, and in some cases, criminalisation. She called for “confronting the inequalities” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals target of ending AIDS by 2030. Further, Wazed called the theme, "Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right" this year, "a rallying cry for accessible, rights-based healthcare that empowers those affected by HIV/AIDS to live vibrant and fulfilling lives". The Regional Director also urged for "boldly tackling the stigma and discrimination that stand as formidable barriers to accessing prevention, treatment, and care". "On this World AIDS Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the health and rights of all individuals affected by HIV/AIDS," Wazed said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
01 December,2024 08:30 AM IST | New DelhiResearchers, who reviewed 18 studies on benefits of drinking water, found the most evidence related to preventing kidney stones and helping people lose weight.Drinking eight cups of water a day significantly lowered one's chances of getting another kidney stone, the researchers at the University of California San Francisco found. They added that evidence from several studies suggested drinking about six cups of water a day helped adults lose weight. However, a study involving teenagers found that drinking a little more than eight cups of water a day had no effect. Further, studies raised the possibility of benefits for patients with migraine, urinary tract infection, diabetes and hypotension (low blood pressure) despite the limited quality and quantity of scientific evidence on the benefits of water, the authors said in the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open. "Given the low cost and low adverse-effect profile of water, further well-designed studies should assess benefits in these specific conditions," the authors wrote. "For such a ubiquitous and simple intervention, the evidence hasn't been clear and the benefits were not well-established, so we wanted to take a closer look," said senior author Benjamin Breyer, chair of the department of urology, University of California San Francisco. "The amount of rigorous research turned out to be limited, but in some specific areas, there was a statistically significant benefit. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the benefits of water consumption on clinical outcomes broadly," Breyer added. The authors said encouraging people to drink water before meals would be a simple and cheap intervention that could have huge benefits given the increased prevalence of obesity. Adults experiencing recurring headaches were found to feel better after three months of drinking more water, they added. Drinking about four more cups of water a day for eight weeks was found to help diabetic patients whose blood glucose levels were elevated. Further, women with recurrent urinary tract infections were found to benefit from drinking an additional six cups a day of water -- the infections became less frequent with time. Young adults with low blood pressure too benefitted from drinking water, the researchers said. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to drinking water, Breyer said. "We know that dehydration is detrimental, particularly in someone with a history of kidney stones or urinary infections," he said. "On the other hand, someone who suffers from frequent urination at times may benefit from drinking less. There isn't a one size fits all approach for water consumption," the senior author said. Also Read: Defeating the 'silent killer': Key symptoms of ovarian cancer that shouldn't be ignored This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 November,2024 12:49 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIPregnant women’s exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) may alter immune responses, leading to adverse birth outcomes, according to a new study. While previous research linked PM2.5 exposure to maternal and child health complications including preeclampsia, low birth weight, and developmental delays in early childhood, the new study, published in Science Advances, is the first to examine the relationship between PM2.5 and maternal and foetal health. Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health focused on understanding air pollutants' impact on a single-cell level. Kari Nadeau, Professor of Climate and Population Studies at the varsity said that the findings showcase “a substantial step forward in understanding the biological pathways by which PM2.5 exposure affects pregnancy, maternal health, and foetal development”. The use of advanced methodology also can change the way “how we study immune responses to environmental exposures,” Nadeau said. The study included participants both non-pregnant women and 20-week pregnant women. Using an innovative technology, the team examined how pollution modified the DNA of participants’ individual cells. Within each cell, they were able to map changes to histones, the proteins that help control the release of cytokines -- proteins that help control inflammation in the body and that can affect pregnancy. The study found that PM2.5 exposure can influence the histone profiles of pregnant women, disrupting the normal balance of cytokine genes and leading to increased inflammation in both women and foetuses. In pregnant women, this increase in inflammation can correspond with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study highlights the importance of minimising air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and foetal health. The researchers also urged for policy interventions to improve air quality, and to provide clinical guidelines to help pregnant women reduce their exposure to pollution. Also Read: Delhi AQI improves but residents battle with eye irritation, breathing difficulties This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
30 November,2024 12:08 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAs Diwali or any other festival approaches, several people burst firecrackers as part of the celebration. However, this can have adverse effects on many. Noise pollution is a significant environmental concern that often goes unnoticed, yet it poses serious risks to human and animal health. As the use of firecrackers increases, so do the decibel levels, leading to several harmful effects. Sumaira Abdulali, an environmentalist and founder of the NGO Awaaz Foundation, highlights the detrimental effects of noise on animals. Stray animals, pets, and wildlife can experience fear and disorientation due to loud sounds, disrupting their natural behaviours and habitats. She notes, “The forest department until recently used firecrackers specifically for the purpose of frightening wild elephants who had strayed out of forests into returning. A recent study of hundreds of animals showed that all animals are affected and even caterpillars’ heartbeats speed up with loud noise.” "The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme has also pointed out that noise pollution contributes to species loss," she adds. When asked about changes in noise pollution levels during festive season celebrations compared to previous years, Abdulali informs that after extensive testing by Awaaz and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, “The decibel level of the loudest firecrackers has reduced significantly. Nevertheless, they continue to be in a range which is unsafe for humans and noisy crackers are often used simultaneously in large numbers during various celebrations.” According to her, India ranks among the noisiest countries globally, with traffic, construction and various celebrations contributing to high noise levels. “Firecrackers are the source which has the loudest decibel levels. They are used during various types of celebrations including Diwali, New Year, victory celebrations of cricket matches and political results, birthdays etc. When firecrackers are burst, they elevate the already high noise levels and often cross limits permissible for human health,” she said. Health professionals Dr Adip Shetty, ENT Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital and Dr Ravina Shetty, ENT, Zynova Shalby Hospital from Mumbai discuss the range of adverse effects associated with noise pollution. These can include temporary irritability and headaches as well as long-term issues such as anxiety and hearing loss. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk. “Extreme headache, anxiety, stress, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), difficulty in sleeping, dramatic mood swings, unable to concentrate, high blood pressure, and hearing loss,” explains Dr Ravina on serious consequences of noise pollution. Dr Adip advises those experiencing hearing loss after exposure to loud noises to undergo an audiogram and speech discrimination tests. He also recommends to “use ear plugs or cotton to reduce the sound exposure.” According to a report compiled by Repository Living Sciences using data from 18 stations in Mumbai, the air pollution (PM2.5) on Diwali day reduced by 17.86 per cent in 2023 as compared to 2022 but remained above the safe level. While the report shows a positive change, it is important to note that a majority of stations recorded PM2.5 above 60, which presents a dire picture. Also read: Diwali 2024: Diwali 2024: Is a ban and other regulations on firecrackers effective in curbing air pollution?
30 November,2024 11:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Jyoti ShuklaAccording to the Global Cancer Observatory, ovarian cancer was the third most common cancer among women in India in 2022, with 47,333 new cases. Given its high prevalence, it is important to be aware of its symptoms, and subsequent diagnosis and treatment process. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Explaining how the disease is caused, Dr Swati Gaikwad, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune, says, “The disease occurs when cells in the ovaries grow abnormally. While the exact cause of ovarian cancer remains unknown, several factors can contribute to its development. Genetics, age, family history of ovarian cancer, obesity, smoking and hormones are among these factors.” “Women who started menstruating early or had children after the age of 35 may be at a higher risk,” she adds. Symptoms of ovarian cancer Ovarian cancer, also referred to as ‘a silent killer’, often presents with subtle or non-specific symptoms, leading many women to overlook or dismiss them. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. Dr Gaikwad highlights the following symptoms of ovarian cancer that women should be aware of: Persisting bloating: Experiencing bloating before or after eating larger meals is quite common. Bloating makes you feel full, causing abdominal discomfort. In some cases, digestive issues or diet is to be blamed. But if bloating is seen for more than a few days or weeks then it could be an indication of ovarian cancer. Pelvic pain: This refers to experiencing pain in the pelvic area or the lower abdomen. The pelvic pain that starts occasionally can be normal but stubborn pelvic pain for an extended period can be a sign of various underlying health conditions. Changes in appetite: Some women may notice abrupt changes in their eating habits or how hungry they feel. You may get easily full even after eating very little than usual. Over time, this can lead to losing your appetite. These sudden changes, particularly those that last longer, can be concerning. Frequent urination: The frequent urge to urinate more than usual can be a sign of ovarian cancer in some. It happens when the cancer cells put excessive pressure on the bladder. Many women tend to mistake frequent urination with other health issues such as urinary tract infection or type 2 diabetes. Changes in menstrual cycles: Irregularities in period can be a common symptom of various health conditions including ovarian cancer. This may include changes like irregular or delayed period, spotting between menstrual cycles and heavy bleeding. One should immediately schedule an appointment with their doctor to discuss the significant changes. Importance of early diagnosis Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is essential as it can improve an individual’s survival rate. “When ovarian cancer is detected in its early stage, the treatment becomes more effective and beneficial. This can be achieved by keeping track of symptoms experienced,” says Dr Gaikwad. Highlighting detection tools, she informs, “There are several tests available in the market to detect ovarian cancer such as Pap smear test, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, tumor marker tests, and CA-125 blood test. Initiate immediate treatment after the confirmed diagnosis of ovarian cancer.” Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and doesn't replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: Five gynaecological cancers that every woman should be aware of
29 November,2024 06:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHoly Family Hospital in Bandra has successfully carried out the birth of healthy quadruplet girls, an exceptionally rare event that has brought immense joy to the family and medical community. Born on October 7, the quadruplets are thriving under the care of the hospital’s expert team, marking a milestone in maternal and neonatal care. Quadruplet births occur in only 1 in 700,000 pregnancies worldwide, making this event a truly extraordinary occurrence. Due to the seamless collaboration between the hospital’s specialists and its state-of-the-art facilities, the mother and her babies are in excellent health. The quadruplets were delivered under the expert care of Dr Jacintha Mathias, consultant gynaecologist at Holy Family Hospital who managed the high-risk pregnancy and delivery with precision. Dr Deepak Tirthani, consultant paediatrician at the hospital has overseen the newborns’ postnatal care and ensured their remarkable progress. The quadruplets were born weighing 1.380 kg, 1.200 kg, 1.580 kg, and 1.380 kg, respectively, showcasing a remarkable start to life under the expert care of the medical team. Overwhelmed with happiness, the parents expressed heartfelt thanks to the Holy Family Hospital team. “We feel truly blessed to have welcomed four healthy daughters into the world. The care, attention, and compassion shown by the doctors and nurses at Holy Family Hospital have been extraordinary. They gave us the strength and support we needed during this incredible journey,” the parents shared. “This remarkable event highlights not only the resilience of the human spirit but also the importance of advanced medical care and teamwork. At Holy Family Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible outcomes for every family, no matter how unique the challenge,” said Dr Jacintha Mathias, consultant gynaecologist. Speaking to mid-day.com, Dr Jacintha, who has been with the hospital for the last 45 years, explains, "The mother conceived by IVF quadruplets. The couple did not want to do embryo reduction as they are pro-life and also because of religious beliefs. When it is a multiple pregnancy there are high chances of having a miscarriage or preterm delivery fetal growth retardation and other complications like pregnancy induced hypertension and diabetes in the mother. She delivered on October 7 at 31 weeks with two babies weighing 1.380kg ,and one 1.580kg and one 1.2kg which was very good for quadruplets at 31 weeks." Dr Deepak Tirthani, senior consultant - paediatrics, who is with Holy Family Hospital for the last 35 years, adds, "For the delivery, four ventilators were kept ready after which the parents were counselled. Two of the babies required laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity. Carrying quadruplets is very hard on a mother's body and comes with high risks such as heavy bleeding after birth and placental abruption." However, the delivery was successfully carried out and the babies are now healthy.
29 November,2024 04:25 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoEven as snakebites are raising public health concerns, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has declared snakebite cases and deaths a “notifiable disease” in India. As per data from the Ministry, around 50,000 deaths in India occur due to an estimated 3-4 million snakebites annually. This accounts for half of all snakebite deaths globally. However, the cases are grossly underreported. “Snakebites are an issue of public health concern and in certain cases, they cause mortality, morbidity, and disability. Farmers, tribal population, etc. are at higher risk,” said Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, in a letter, addressed to the Secretaries of Health of all States and Union Territories (UTs). “You are requested to make snakebite cases and deaths a ‘Notifiable Disease’ under the relevant provisions under the State Public Health Act or other applicable legislation”. The letter urged all government and private health facilities (including medical colleges) to “make it mandatory to report all suspected, probable snakebite cases and deaths in the enclosed format”, read the letter. The common krait, Indian cobra, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper are responsible for about 90 per cent of snakebites in the country. While polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) -- with antibodies against these four -- is effective in 80 per cent of cases, the lack of trained human resources and health facilities to treat snakebite patients remains a cause of concern. Other major hindrances are the lack of data on incidence, morbidity, mortality, socio-economic burden, treatment patterns, etc. In March, MoFHW launched the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE) to address the issue of snakebite. The action plan aims to “halve the snakebite-related deaths by the year 2030”, Srivastava said. The plan carries defined strategic components, roles, and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in snakebite management, control, and prevention. A key objective of NAPSE is to boost the surveillance of snakebite cases and deaths in the country. Srivastava called for developing a “robust surveillance system for accurately tracking snakebite incidents and deaths”. This will provide valuable data to inform and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. It will also help the stakeholders understand "accurate burden, high-risk areas, factors responsible for deaths of snakebite victims," which in return would result in the improved clinical management of victims, Srivastava said This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 November,2024 03:03 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSAn Australian-led international research has found that over 1.5 million deaths globally every year were linked to the health impacts of air pollution caused by landscape fires. According to the research published on Thursday by Monash University in Melbourne, 1.53 million deaths per year between 2000 and 2019 were attributable to wildfire-sourced air pollution, Xinhua news agency reported. The study found that over 90 per cent of all deaths attributable to landscape fire-sourced air pollution occurred in low and middle-income countries -- particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, southeast, south and east Asia. It was a comprehensive assessment of the health risks associated with air pollution from landscape fires, involving researchers from universities around the world. Of the 1.53 million annual deaths globally, 450,000 were attributed to cardiovascular disease and 220,000 to respiratory disease. Fine particulate matter from wildfires fires contributed to 77.6 per cent of deaths and surface ozone to 22.4 per cent. "As wildfires are increasingly frequent and severe in a warming climate, urgent action is required to address such substantial impact on climate-related mortality and associated environmental injustice," the authors wrote in the study. The countries with the highest attributable mortality rates to landscape fires were all in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors advocate for high-income countries to provide financial and technological support to help vulnerable developing countries manage the health impacts of wildfire-sourced air pollution and address the socioeconomic disparities in mortality rates. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 November,2024 02:48 PM IST | Sydney | IANSThe Municipal Health Department on Thursday reported the first case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) -- viral brain infection that can lead to serious illness and death -- in the national capital after 13 long years. The disease reportedly affected a 72-year-old man from Bindapur in West Delhi. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on November 3 following chest pain. “A case of Japanese Encephalitis has been reported from the Bindapur area under the West zone recently,” as per an order issued by the Municipal Health Office on Thursday. “JE is a zoonotic viral disease which is caused by the JE virus. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of this disease is high and those who survive may suffer with various degrees of neurological sequelae,” the MCD noted. The virus last hit Delhi in 2011, infecting 14 people. Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional professor, Centre for Community medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS that “the vector born JE is transmitted by the bite of culex mosquito, which breeds on dirty water, artificial collection of water”. “The clinical symptoms include fever, myalgia, body ache, and headache. In severe cases, the disease can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and hospitalisation,” he said, adding that children are more at risk. “The high risk among kids is due to lack of immunity,” Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS. The expert added that “farmers, labourers, or individuals working in areas near rice paddies or pig farms are also at increased risk”. In 2024, 1,548 JE cases were reported from 24 states and Union Territories, as per data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. About 925 cases were detected in Assam alone. Meanwhile, the MCD informed that it has started the containment measures. It has directed “all the DHOs and epidemiologists to intensify vector control measures including larval source reduction and community-based initiatives including awareness campaigns for prevention and control of JE”. The experts called for JE vaccination in two doses for children and for preventing mosquito bites using bed nets, mosquito repellent, etc. They also urged people to keep the surroundings clean to stop the breeding of mosquitoes; and to consult a doctor in case of unexplained fever with headache. According to the central government guidelines, two doses of the vaccine have been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme since 2013. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 November,2024 12:16 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSUS President-elect Donald Trump on November 26 announced that he was thrilled to nominate Kolkata-born Indian-American scientist Jay Bhattacharya as the head of National Institutes of Health. It is the country's leading health research institution. The NIH, an agglomeration of 27 separate research organisations dealing with different diseases and health issues, has an annual budget of $48 billion An elated Bhattacharya said on X (formerly known as Twitter), "We will reform American scientific institutions so that they are worthy of trust again and will deploy the fruits of excellent science to make America healthy again!" Bhattacharya is yet another Indian-origin expert in the US government, apart from Kamala Harris, who was in the race for the position for the US president, before she lost. As the buzz around him grows, here are five things you need to know about him: Origins Jayanta Bhattacharya, popularly known as Jay Bhattacharya was born in Kolkata in India in 1968. While now being an American citizen, he is also known to be a practicing Christian. Education and expertise Bhattacharya is a multi-disciplinary academic who graduated from Stanford University in 1990. He also holds professorships in medicine, economics, and health professorship, holding a medical degree and a PhD in economics. Rise to prominence Bhattacharya raised questions about Covid policies. He shot to national prominence during the Covid pandemic by questioning the prevalent orthodoxy of the government health establishment of imposing extended broad lockdowns to fight the disease and went head-to-head with Anthony Fauci, who was acclaimed as the architect of the official policy. Trump also said he is a co-author of The Great Barrington declaration, an alternative to lockdowns, proposed in October 2020. SuccessionBhattacharya will succeed Monica Bertagnolli, who is an American surgical oncologist and the 17th director of the National Institutes of Health. Future work Trump said that Bhattacharya would work with Health Secretary nominee Robert F Kennedy, Jr, to restore NIH "to a gold standard of medical research as they examine the underlying causes of, solutions to, America's biggest health challenges, including a crisis of chronic illness and disease". While Kennedy opposes vaccinations, Bhattacharya does not. Kennedy advocates unorthodox treatments and theories, which have come under criticism, but his and Trump’s focus on chronic diseases has been praised by some critics. (With inputs from IANS)
28 November,2024 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe air quality in the national capital fell back to 'very poor' on Thursday from being in 'severe' category a day before, as AQI was recorded at 304 as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several residents complained of irritation in the eyes and difficulties in breathing amid the rising pollution levels. According to the CPCB data, the AQI measured at DTU as of 7 am was 261, Pusa at 281, ITO at 284, Lodhi Road at 250, and IGI Airport (T3) at 301, which are in the 'poor' category. However, several places in Delhi recorded the air quality as 'severe' with AQI in Dwarka Sec 8 at 332, Jahangirpuri at 354, Sonia Vihar at 315, Wazirpur at 330, Ashok Vihar at 318, and Bawana at 341 as of 8 am today. Chittaranjan Tripathi, a Delhi resident, attributed the main reason for the rising pollution levels to the increased number of vehicles running even after government restrictions. "The main reason for this is the vehicles. Everyone opts for a car or bike even for two kilometres because nobody wants go by foot. Elderly people and children are the most affected. They are facing difficulties in breathing and irritation in the eyes. Everyone now is wearing masks when they go out," he said. Speaking to ANI, Chandra Bhardwaj, out on a morning walk, said, "Pollution has increased drastically here. Earlier, so many people used to come for morning walks; children also used to come. But now you see there is no one. Because of pollution, it is difficult to breathe. My eyes are burning too. This is not the first time; the pollution issue has been there for some years now, but the government is not doing anything." "The problems are faced by everyone, poor or rich; everyone is troubled. To eliminate this completely, the government has to take concrete steps; any temporary ban or restriction are not sustainable. Even though there is a ban on vehicles, vehicles are still running," she added. Speaking to ANI, Vijay Kumar, another resident in the area, said, "Air is poisoned in a way that now children are not able to go to school. There is a feeling pf burning sensation in the eyes. There is a big problem. Understand that it is a matter of big problems." Ayush Bharadwaj, a student who hails from Chhattisgarh said, "I have come here to study from a very far. There is a lot of difference between the temperature there and here. It is difficult to survive. The place I come from is very green. Here because of the pollution, it is difficult to breathe" Kanishka, a student in Delhi hailing from Rajasthan, said, " My eyes are hurting because of the pollution; even my throat is itching and it is difficult to breathe." Layer of smog enveloped most areas of the national capital on Thursday morning with air quality in the 'very poor' category. Visuals from Delhi's Barapulla, Akshardham and Patparganj showed thick layer of smog covering the whole area. Drone visuals captured frothy layer of toxic foam in River Yamuna in the Kalindi Kunj area, as the pollution level in the river continues to remain high. The toxic foam has continued to persist on the surface of the Yamuna River for the past several days. Amidst the rising pollution levels in Delhi, the government has instructed the administration to use truck-mount water sprinklers to mitigate the effects of air pollution. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is severe. Earlier, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government and Police to immediately set up checkpoints on all 113 entry points to Delhi to check the entry of trucks in the national capital. It appointed 13 members of the Bar as court commissioners to visit the entry points to Delhi and verify whether entry of trucks is being stopped. The apex court also expressed dissatisfaction with the compliance of GRAP IV measures saying despite orders passed by the apex court and CAQM, there is a failure on the part of the Delhi government and Police to comply with clauses under GRAP stage IV. As per the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the entry of trucks is prohibited in Delhi and public construction projects have been halted until further notice. Stage-IV of the GRAP was activated in the national capital keeping in view the rising level of pollution. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
28 November,2024 05:00 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIADVERTISEMENT
