Smog in NCR: CISF issues 15,000 masks to personnel

NEW DELHI: With air quality deteriorating, the CISF on Tuesday ordered over 15,000 masks for its personnel deployed at IGI Airport, Delhi Metro and other government installations in Delhi and NCR region and said they would be provided prompt medical assistance in case of breathing trouble.

The decision was taken after Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Director General O.P. Singh ordered for distribution of masks to all men and women of the paramilitary force while on duty. 

"There is a proposal to distribute over 15,000 masks. A total of 8,000 masks are being distributed only in Delhi Metro, 5,000 at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and around 2,500 at other government installations," CISF Spokesperson Hemendra Singh told IANS. 

The CISF -- which is tasked to guard IGI Airport, Delhi Metro and several government departments and ministries in the National Capital Region (NCR) -- had undertaken a similar measure in November last year when the air quality was bad in Delhi and NCR. 

"At least 2,000 masks have been distributed to CISF personnel deployed at Delhi Metro and remaining 6,000 masks will be provided by evening. Similarly, CISF personnel at IGI airports, government building and other units are also being provided masks and they will wear it till air quality improve," Singh said. 

He said the CISF will also render medial assistance to its personnel at airport, Delhi Metro and government building having breathing trouble. 

The NCR on Tuesday saw its worst 'air quality' and 'smog situation' of the year -- which was even worse than a day after Diwali, as a yellow blanket of smog hung heavily in the sky. The pollution level rose to dangerous levels, with 18 out of 21 active pollution monitoring stations recording 'severe' air quality.