Leonard DiCaprio supports push for clean air in Delhi
New Delhi/IBNS: Hollywood star and environment activist Leonardo DiCaprio has appreciated the people and NGOs who have been pressingthe government for immediate steps to curb the deteriorating air quality in India, specifically the national capital.
In an Instagram post, DiCaprio wrote, "Over 1500 citizens gathered in at India Gate, in New Dehli, to demand immediate action on the cities hazardous pollution levels.⣠â£
According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution in India is estimated to kill about 1.5 million people every year; these statistics make air pollution the fifth-largest killer in India. ⣠â£
People of all ages joined the demonstration, which succeeded to directly trigger action for Indian citizens:⣠1. The Indian Prime Ministers office set up a special panel to address the issue, within a few hours of the protest. The panel is due to report on the issue within 2 weeks.⣠2. The Supreme Court of India asked the Central Government and respective state governments to fix the crop and waste burning issue of Dehli within a week. â£
3. The Center accepted that Green Fund will be used to combat toxic air pollution. â£
4. The Indian Prime Minister asked the Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment urgently so that crop burning is no longer necessary. ⣠â£
Despite these promises, the air is still unsafe and activists will keep the pressure on until the air pollution reaches safe levels. ⣠â£
The protest was organised by a collaboration of movements; @xrebellionind @LetMeBreathe_In @FridaysForFutureIndia_ along with other activists. ⣠⣠Photography by Arjun Mahatta and co, via @FridaysForFuture ⣠â£
#RightToBreathe #ExtinctionRebellion #IndiaGate #SolutionNotPollution #ActNow #RebelForLife"
In August this year, DiCaprio backed charity Earth Alliance had pledged $5 million to reduce incidents of fire in the Amazon rainforest.
Air quality in Delhi slipped to a "very severe" category earlier this month, leaving the city and its surroundings in an envelope of thick smog. Experts have pointed
out that the burning of crop residue in the neighbouring states led to the worsening of the situation, but large-scale construction activities, burning of waste and vehicular emissions remain the main culprits.
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