NEW DELHI: The German Embassy in New Delhi has quietly curtailed the posting of its administrative staff from four to three years making Germany the first country to act on concerns over the poor air quality in the national capital.
The decision, diplomatic sources told ET, was taken last year at the time New Delhi gained the dubious distinction of being the most polluted city in the world. The move, however, is only meant for the Embassy's administrative staff (usually assistants to top diplomats or assistants at ambassador's residence) and their families. There are no plans, as of now, to reduce the three-year tenure of diplomats. A WHO study of 1,600 cities released last year had found that air pollution in New Delhi had worsened putting city-dwellers at a higher risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease.
The study cited government data to show the Capital had the dirtiest air with an annual average of 153 micrograms of small particulates, known as PM2.5, per cubic metre. That's 15 times more than the average annual exposure recommended by the WHO. In comparison, Beijing, which was once considered one of the most polluted cities, has PM2.5 concentration of 56 micrograms per cubic metre.
The German Embassy's decision, diplomatic sources added, was prompted by increasing symptoms of respiratory problems among children of staffer families. "According to a rough estimate made by the resident doctor at the Embassy, almost a third (one-third) of the children of our staff here are either suffering from or showing signs of respiratory problems," said a source, who did not wish to be identified.
The Embassy has, reportedly, lost three senior officers this summer as they chose to go back early on account of their children facing health problems caused by pollution. The spokesperson of the German Embassy declined comment.
"If this goes on it will be difficult for us to attract young talent here. Couples in their 20s and 30s, may not want to be posted in New Delhi, as they usually have very young children who are quite vulnerable to pollution," the above source added.
Meanwhile, many missions are resorting to unusual steps to mitigate its impact on the health of their staff. Embassies from North America, Europe, Southeast and East Asia and Asia Pacific besides EU have installed air purifiers both at the office as well as the residences its diplomats. Few diplomats suggested that as a long-term solution that their residences could be shifted to either NOIDA or Gurgaon for better air quality.
