Sunday, 3 December 2017

10 ways to get past this ‘gas chamber’

Since last two days, heavy smog has engulfed the city. Over the years the issue has intensified but not alleviated. While we can’t do much about the problem itself we can give you some tips to stay safe.


As the smog and bad AQI rears its head once again, here is the article I wrote for AMB life few weeks back.

delhi-air-pollution-lead-gettyimages-620866630_730x419
Image source: Catchnews

Every time around this year, Delhi, India’s capital gets engulfed into a dark shadow of smoke and moisture – commonly termed as smog. While some are still in doubt about whether it’s a smog or a fog, what everyone’s pretty sure is that its disastrous for health especially for children who infants. While Delhi’s education minister has declared that schools to remain closed till Sunday, nothing has been done by neither Central govt. nor state govt. to alleviate this issue.

Dear Delhi, you are choking us!

With visibility falling below 200m and AQI climbing beyond 400 and 450 in most parts of the NCT, it is but anyone’s guess that we are all living in a gas chamber and this chamber is choking us all. A public emergency has been declared by the IMA and everyone has been advised to stay indoors. But most of us can’t. We have jobs to do, foods to cook and work to earn and all of this can’t be done without venturing out. Thanks to them we are forced to wake every morning with –

  • Headaches

  • Burning eyes

  • Discomfort in breathing

  • Running noses, and

  • Depressive mood


In case you are still wondering why this blanket of dark air is BAD for us, here’s a small precursor to future of our health if this is not controlled. We are not trying to frighten you, just educate you. Make you aware. The long term exposure is sure enough to affect your lung function and can also result in long term respiratory problems like asthma, COPD, skin diseases, chronic cough and shortness of breath. The high concentration of particulate matters can also lead to heart strokes. All this and more if we count its toll on environment and other living beings like plants and animals.

AAEAAQAAAAAAAAlRAAAAJGQwM2Q4ZjYzLWQ0NGQtNDQ3Yi1hMTliLTdiNzY5NmFlYzBjOA

But there’s a way out, not from this smog, but from its effects. While we can’t negate all, we can certainly lessen some. So, here are the 10 tips that you must follow to stay healthy and hygienic in this smog. But thanks to Hindustan Times in advance for this. So here goes the list –

  • Cut down on the pollution yourself – try to drive a vehicle that is less noisy and emits fewer fumes,

  • Or just try and get to grips with the Metro and public transport.

  • Get a gas mask

  • Avoid going outdoors along with doing physical activities like cycling and jogging.

  • N95 masks should be used if it is necessary to go out.

  • Air purifying plants such as aloe-Vera, ivy and spider plant can be placed at home or in the office.

  • To ensure that indoor air pollution does not take place, make sure that there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom.

  • Consume fruits rich in vitamin C, magnesium and foods rich in Omega fatty acids.

  • Have herbal ginger and Tulsi tea.


While we are following this tips, we must also request our governments to make clean air their priority. We can’t have this phenomena occurring to us again and again every year. They should make sure that there’s ban on burning of rice stubble, Dust pollution emanating from construction sites is controlled and since metrological forecasts are available in advance, they must be prepare themselves accordingly.

Damn it all, I’m going to Shimla

If you are of the view that its safer to leave this all behind and flock to the hills for vacation, you are not just reengaging on your duties as a delhiities but also giving an excuse to the authorities who seem to do nothing. We must remain here and bring the change we so earnestly desire without looking up to other people.

A last piece of advice: If you are in Delhi and feel sick, quickly consult a doctor. It could be serious.

No comments:

Post a Comment