New Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) The killing Delhi air pollution has evoked serious concerns among the diplomatic community which was conveyed to the External Affairs Ministry by Dean of Diplomatic Corps Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos on Friday.
In what it could be called as a major for the government, raised concerns of ambassadors over toxic air that impact health of diplomats and others.
Mr Castellons met senior officials in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and told them how the air pollutions was impacting the inflow of tourists here.
The dean met with Sanjay Verma, Chief of Protocol in the ministry and discussed the impact of the deterioating air quality on the health of diplomatic staff in the city.
After the meeting with the Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Castellanos issued a statement in which he said, “We completely understand that the issue needs to be addressed for the better future of all the people that live in this city, and not only for the diplomatic community. We all breathe the same air.”
Mr Verma took note of the concerns of the diplomats assigned to Delhi and their families, on the current environmental conditions in the city.
The ministry has assured the diplomatic community of dealing with the issue, including “learning best practices from countries that have traversed this experience”.
“The unusual deterioration in the quality of air is a product of multiple causes, most of which are indeed domestic, but have also been aggravated by a dust storm from a distant geography. The simultaneous aggregation of these cases has led to an environmental challenge, which the government of India is determined to address and ameliorate,” said the dean quoting the ministry of external affairs official.
Over the last week, voices of concern have grown in the diplomatic community with some embassies and high commissions reporting increased respiratory problems and health issues in staff members.
Costa Rican envoy Mariela Cruz Alvarez too, who was hospitalised following respiratory ailments, expressed her deep concerns in a blog that went viral this week.
“What happened last week in Delhi was her voice speaking to the whole world,” Alvarez wrote in her blog referring to India and pollution and climate change challenges for the world.
“As the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in India, I thanked the Chief of Protocol for his time and effort in addressing this issue, and we both hope that the outcome of the efforts of both Central and local government will bring rapid and positive results, not only for the diplomats living in India but also for every citizen, children and adult, that live in this very active, energetic and busy city,’’ said Ambassador Castellanos’ official statement.
UNI ASH SHK 2013