smog new delhi
Smog in Delhi
Vocabulary
| eerie | thick | respiratory |
| dare | smog | as a whole |
| air | hit (2) | hang around |
| hurt | sights | emergency |
| enact | sector | measure (2) |
| limit | blame | take it seriously |
| toxin | straw (2) | particulate matter |
| vast | harvest | pump out |
| lung | breathe | call in sick to work |
| layer | conceal | leave their mark |
| foul | analyst |
Video: Smog in Delhi
Transcript
The streets in New Delhi are eerily quiet. A thick layer of smog conceals the few people who dare to step out into the polluted air.
And they don’t hang around: the foul air hurts people’s lungs and eyes. It’s been like this for a week.
Now, the government has enacted emergency measures.
Satyendra Jain, Delhi Health Minister: “There will be no construction work for five days and schools have been closed.
These actions are being taken very seriously.”
In recent days, particulate matter levels in the Indian capital have been ten times higher than the EU limit.
Farmers are getting some of the blame. At this time of year, they burn left over straw from their rice harvests.
Industry and cars also pump out vast amounts of toxins.
Rohan Kumar, Delhi Citizen: “You could normally see way into the distance, from India Gate. But not now.
And the thick smog makes it difficult to breathe. We can’t work properly.”
Increasing numbers of people are calling in sick to work with respiratory problems.
Analysts say the extreme pollution levels will leave their mark on the economy as a whole. While the sights remain hidden, the tourism sector could be hit especially hard.
Questions
1. On this day, everyone is out working and going to school. True or false? Why are the streets of New Delhi deserted?
2. Has the government responded? What has been the government’s response?
3. Is the air quality below, at or above the safe levels?
4. What is the cause of the smog? Why is there so much smog in New Delhi?
5. The thick smog is adversely affecting people’s healthy. Is this right or wrong?
6. Is the pollution hampering the economy? In what way is pollution affecting the economy?
A. Is smog a problem in your city? Has it changed over the years?
B. What are the main contributors to smog and air pollution?
C. Has the government done anything to address the problem of air pollution?
D. What will happen in the future?
E. What are some solutions to cleaning up the air?
