Arvind Kejriwal looks for help while Health Ministry issues air pollution advisory

Air pollution situation in Delhi and nearby areas has alarmed the citizens across the country.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to express concern over the air pollution in Delhi which is mainly due to stubble burning by farmers.

Arvind Kejriwal described the situation as an ’emergency’ and wrote that his office is continuously trying to take time from Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana so as to meet them to check for ways to contain air pollution.

To this Chief Minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh replied and said that while he shares Kejriwal’s concern over stubble burning and pollution yet it is only the Centre which can solve this problem since it is now a national issue.

Arvind agreed that centre must take affirmative steps but again requested time so as to discuss the issue with him as Delhi is choking but his requests failed to get the desired results.

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Punjab Chief Minister also added that he understands very well that the situation is serious but said that Punjab is helpless as the problem is widespread and the state has no money to compensate farmers for stubble management.

Singh was perhaps hoping that the matter will close at this but Delhi Chief Minister persisted with his appointment request and again said that it would be best if a meeting could be arranged between them. He also requested to share an estimate of funds needed to pull the state out of the air pollution situation and said that it will help the people of both states.

But the Punjab Chief Minister flatly refused an appointment for the meeting and said that “it is not a matter for inter-state discussion, that won’t help. It requires central govt intervention, at the earliest.”

While the Punjab Chief Minister refused a meeting to discuss the air pollution situation, the Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal has not yet responded to Arvind Kejriwal.

Meanwhile, addressing the situation today Health Ministry has issued pollution advisory for citizens.

People have been advised the following:

To remain indoors if one has breathing difficulties and try to keep children indoors as much as possible.

To avoid morning walk or any other strenuous outdoor activity that increases breathing rate.

To drink plenty of water and fluids

To avoid smoking.

To minimize the use of deodorants and room sprays as much as possible.

To avoid the areas with smoke or heavy dust.

To continue medications in case of any heart ailments or chronic respiratory disease or asthma

To consult a doctor in case of any difficulty in breathing, increase in breathing rate, palpitations or a severe bout of coughing or sneezing.