You might also like:
AT present time, New Delhi is the most polluted city in the world. According to a report on CNN, measurements on the Air Pollution Index (API) were recorded at 999, well beyond the “hazardous” level of 500.
The New York Times described the smog as “acrid, eye-stinging and throat-burning, and so thick that it is being blamed for a 70-vehicle pileup north of the city.”
The pollution is said to be a result of the burning of crop residue in surrounding states, a practice that’s been deemed illegal. Traffic pollution, fireworks from a recent festival, and construction dust over the last two weeks have also aggravated the situation.
An emergency ruling saw over 5,000 schools being closed and construction work being put on hold for up to three days. The number of vehicles on the street may also be restricted if the situation worsens.
Industry experts are also fearing tourism numbers to be affected. Delhi tourism minister Kapil Mishra deemed air quality as the “worst ever setback” for tourism and added that a major image makeover campaign will be implemented after finding a solution to the smog.
India Today reported that tour operators and international tourists are generally particular about their health and safety, and Delhi might see a dive in tourist numbers as more visitors opt to visit other parts of southeast Asia.
Mishra said, “This will have a huge negative impact on tourism of Delhi and will hit the image of the city. The residents are already facing problems and international tourists will definitely avoid Delhi.”
Ajay Prakash, president of the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPTT)-India, told India Today: “Even domestic tourists are avoiding Delhi. In comparison, international tourists are more sensitive about green tourism. India’s loss will be neighboring countries’ gain.”
Many tourists have posted photos of the Taj Mahal – one of India’s most-visited tourist sites – with the monument hidden behind thick blankets of smog.
The post India’s tourism shrouded in uncertainty as Delhi battles worst smog in 17 years appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
 were recorded at 999, well beyond the “hazardous” level of 500.The New York Times… "Pin It")
Source: travelwireasia.com