‘Unconscionable, uninhabitable’: Shashi Tharoor questions whether Delhi should remain capital with ‘dangerous’ pollution | India News – Times of India

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday strongly criticized the government for its inaction on Delhi’s air pollution. He described the situation as a “nightmare” and wondered whether the city should remain the country’s capital.
In a post on “This city is essentially uninhabitable from November to January and barely livable the rest of the year,” he wrote, adding that despite his efforts since 2015 to bring experts and stakeholders together, “nothing seemed to change, and it seemed no one cares. ”

The air quality in Delhi has reached an alarming level with the Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 488 on Tuesday morning, putting it in the ‘severe plus’ category. Residents face thick smog, drastically reduced visibility and hazardous conditions that pose serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Images in the capital, from Bhikaji Cama Place to Kartavya Path, show a city covered in smog. Toxic foam continues to float on parts of the Yamuna River, a grim reminder of the deteriorating environment. Transport services have also been affected: 22 trains are delayed and nine have been moved due to poor visibility.

The crisis has led to drastic measures. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has moved classes online till November 22, while schools in Gurugram have suspended physical classes for students up to 12th standard until further notice. The Supreme Court also issued an advisory urging everyone in their premises to wear masks and take health precautions.