Bangkok: Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, has been facing high pollution levels due to stubble burning and emissions from factories and vehicles. The national capital is being declared as the seventh most polluted city in the world on Friday morning (January 31), as per the air monitoring company IQAir. Micro particles like PM2.5 pollutants are so small that they enter the bloodstream through the lungs, increasing the chances of cancer.
The Thai government has strictly asked the authorities to impose a ban on burning by farmers. Officials have been asked to report about those farmers who have been arrested for breaking the rule. In every province, it is the duty of officials to stop burning; otherwise, they will be declared culprits and punished, the Thai government made it clear on Thursday.
The health ministry has been monitoring the situation minutely, and more than 1.1 million pollution-protection masks have been distributed among the people. Special care is given to children and pregnant women as pollution is likely to increase between Friday and Wednesday due to weather. Remember, last week, more than 350 schools were closed by authorities amid high pollution levels.
Commuters can move freely in the city’s SkyTrain, metros, and buses with an aim to mitigate emissions from private vehicles. Residents have been asked to remain indoors and go outside only in case of essential work or emergencies.
