Escaping the Pollution in Delhi – Why this is Essential!
Updated: 20th November, 2019
Recently, actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio brought global attention to the hazardous levels of pollution in Delhi. Following a citizens outcry at India Gate (organised by a collaboration of movements; @xrebellionind @LetMeBreathe_In @FridaysForFutureIndia_ along with other activists), DiCaprio shared his concern over the fact that according to the World Health Organization, air pollution in India is estimated to kill about 1.5 million people every year; making air pollution the fifth-largest killer in India.
Currently, the quality of air has been graded as fluctuating between “severe” and “very poor”, making even the most basic act of breathing, a health risk for many in the capital. Following the protest at India Gate, the Indian Prime Ministers office will set up a special panel to address the air quality issue and is expected to report on the issue within 2 weeks. Along with this, the Supreme Court of India have asked the Central Government and respective state governments to fix the crop and waste burning issue of Dehli within a week and The Center has accepted that the Green Fund will be used to combat toxic air pollution. Furthermore, the Indian Prime Minister asked the Agriculture Ministry to distribute equipment urgently so that crop burning is no longer necessary. However, this issue is not new to those who live in Delhi. Every year, pollution levels seem to be peaking (at an increasingly higher rate than the previous years). Last year Bryan Adams performed amidst a cloud of smog and publicly commented on the same. This year, students have had to miss many days of school due enforced ‘smog breaks’ and an International T20 cricket match, India vs Bangladesh, was played in Delhi after much public debate about the toxic air quality index and health risks to players.
Taking a break and getting out for the weekend or even for a whole week is recommended because there are several drawbacks to being exposed to pollution on a daily basis. In Delhi, asthma is a common occurrence along with splitting headaches, eye and skin irritations. Studies have been carried out on the intensifying consequence of weather conditions on air pollution. It had been proven that with the onset of winter, the quality of air deteriorates drastically. A link has been made between cold weather and a surge in patients being admitted into hospital for various kinds of chronic respiratory diseases.
Aside from being conscious citizens and being proactive in reducing our personal consumption of products that increase pollution, we highly recommend getting out of cities for a short getaway to give our lungs a much needed break. Replenishing our lungs by inhaling cold, fresh air that is not laced with pollutants is a welcome change for our body.
Breathing in fresh air has ample benefits for your brain and body. More oxygen results in higher energy levels for your body. More oxygen also helps improve the way your brain works. You will find an ability to concentrate better, thus allowing you to have clarity of thought. With regards to problems like high blood pressure, it goes without saying that people suffering from this issue should avoid high pollution as it causes our body to work harder to get sufficient oxygen required for proper functioning.
- Breathing fresh air can help keep your lungs clean.
- Fresh air and exposure to pure oxygen help boost the functioning of the immune system. White blood cells feed off oxygen when trying to kill various bacteria, antibodies and germs.
- Exposure to fresh air can also help the body process food better, in term aiding the the digestive system.
Other benefits of leaving the city behind include getting really good undisturbed sleep, enjoying the opportunity to be truly disconnected from your mobile devices, waking up early to do yoga, going for hikes and connecting with your spiritual side.
These benefits are what you can be sure to enjoy when you book a weekend or week getaway at The Orchard, a luxury boutique hotel in Peora. Situated in the heart of Uttarakhand, Peora is a quaint village at an elevation of 5,500 feet, located 57 km. from Nainital (one of the most popular hill stations in India). It is also not too far from Almora and Mukteshwar. At The Orchard, we strive to make a guest’s health and wellness a top priority from the minute they check in to the time that they leave and judging by the positive reviews we receive, we seem to be doing a good job of it! There are plenty of things to do at The Orchard as you can gauge from the benefits, and things to enjoy around the hotel property too. In any case, an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life will be sure to put a spring in your step.
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Read what some of our customers have to say on TripAdvisor:
“….Truly phenomenal experience…. The quiet surroundings of the small village, clean fresh air and gourmet meals can’t ask for much more. The drive is long from Delhi but really worth the effort”
– Amitava M
” Clear, clean roads, with barely any potholes or traffic; lush, green and beautiful landscapes, and fresh air are your companions after you hit the Corbett belt (~4 hours from Delhi). Thereafter the hills begin, and the roads continue to be great and the hillscapes beautiful”