Despite the many pollution control measures taken by the government, Delhi’s air quality is still hazardous. The odd-even rule for private vehicles is still in effect and schools have been asked to remain closed till November 15 due to the public health emergency.
Amidst the toxic smog on the occasion of Children’s Day, NGO Prayas organized a marathon called “Run for Children” at Vinay Marg in Chanakyapuri where many students participated.
Delhi: A 'Run for Children' was flagged off in the national capital earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/TzdGNt92HA
— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2019
The Times of India reports that the AQI (Air Quality Index) touched 472 before the run was flagged off and this falls under the “severe” category. NDTV reports that the marathon had many students running without anti-pollution masks. Payal (a parent at the event) was quoted saying,
“Children are falling ill due to toxic air. Some of the participants have also missed the marathon due to pollution today. One boy while running puked and is now taking rest.”
Desi Twitter was not impressed with the organizers and said that it was criminal to expose children to eye irritation and respiratory issues.
Just imagine !!
How much each kid might have inhaled PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles in worst pollution condition of Delhi NCR!
Just to celebrate children day they put children in danger😢— Nirbhai Singh (@nirbhaisingh07) November 14, 2019
A "run for children" organized, while schools are closed for hazardous levels of pollution , by a "life insurance " company.
Right now, Delhi(and India) is a dsytopian novel that rights itself. https://t.co/LOFT3PBUsB
— Sanket🔗 (@spilledink___) November 14, 2019
Run "for" children? By endangering them in this toxic environment? Can we get more crazy? https://t.co/og3qRxyM5L
— Pratyush Prabhakar (@pratyushpbk) November 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/Retributions/status/1194882466571526146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1194882466571526146&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thequint.com%2Fnews%2Findia%2Ftwitter-calls-out-run-for-children-event-in-delhi-pollution
Wait, what??? Schools are forcibly closed due to horrendous, deadly air and someone thinks it’s a good idea for children to RUN in this murk??? #insane https://t.co/H1MFoGk5r1
— Amy Kazmin (@AmyKazmin) November 14, 2019
Whoever has arranged this run, and whoever sponsored this must be booked for endangering lives of children
— Sreenivas Bidari🇮🇳 (@BidariSreenivas) November 14, 2019
In this smog. Everyone has gone mad. 😡
— मिर्ची सेठ (@thedevil_ind) November 14, 2019
This is nuts! Idea of Children’s Day is to give kids a safe environment, not make them run and inhale the pollution! Crazy!
— Puja Talwar (@pujat_GOODTIMES) November 14, 2019
Nothing can be worse then this… Organising a run when the AQI is touching red matk in the capital 😡😓😰🤭🤔
— Alpana (@alpana2k) November 14, 2019
Until the situation improves, it is imperative that everyone follows the do’s and don’ts issued by The Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) and venture outside wearing certified N95 masks.