The Asian Age

Smog clouds funfare

- KAVI BHANDARI The new reply to the usual question of these days is —PTI

“Aur kya chal raha hai” “Smog chal raha hai.” But sadly the joke is on us! The capital and other parts of NCR have been shrouded by a dense cover of smog. The deteriorat­ing air quality has added to the misery, leading to a sharp surge in cases of respirator­y problems and doctors doing overtime. Tourists with plans of enjoying Delhi winter are preferring to stay in their hotel rooms instead of exploring the city. And Delhiites too are exercising caution and cancelling most outdoor activities and fun plans.

Schools have been shut down for a few days, but the kids can hardly rejoice as playing out in the sun or whatever of it is visible, is not recommende­d. When asked about the “house arrest”, Delhiites had some notso-happy tales to narrate. “I used to play with my dog every evening but now I can’t even step out

QQQQQQWHEN NCR WAS FORCED TO STAY AT HOME There was a drop of 40% GMV (Gross Merchandis­e Value) in Cyber City this Tuesday as compared to last Tuesday

There was a drop of 30% GMV in North Campus, Saket and MG Road this Tuesday as compared to last Tuesday

20% drop in GMV this Monday as compared to last Monday in Pitampura

30% drop in the number of people going out this Tuesday as compared to last Tuesday in Saket

35% drop in fashion GMV in major localities on Tuesday in Delhi Grocery purchase grew by 30% in Delhi on Tuesday into my garden as I’m so worried about the effects of the smog on my dog and also on me,” says Anju Talwar, a homemaker living in Gurgaon.

“As schools have been closed for four days, many families are heading to the hills for fresh air instead of continuing breathing the deadly, toxic smog here. And my family is also packing its bags for an early Christmas vacation,” says Dhrupad Suri, a 26year-old businessma­n and father of a newborn.

Joggers have stopped their morning runs, and even the most diligent morning walkers are staying in.

“The joy of long morning and evening walks has come to a standstill as the very things that made me healthier have become a threat to my health. Turn to Page 22

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