Delhi is currently enveloped in a thick layer of smog, with air quality fluctuating between ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories. On Sunday, the national capital witnessed a heated exchange of blame between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the alarming pollution levels.
The AAP government attributed the deteriorating air quality to changing weather conditions and an increase in stubble burning in neighbouring states. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai warned that the situation might worsen in the upcoming days due to these factors. He asserted that the government is actively working to mitigate dust pollution and is calling for cooperation from residents.
Rai revealed that around 2.5 lakh inspections have been carried out, with anti-dust campaigns in full swing across the capital. He highlighted that penalties are being enforced wherever violations are detected. The minister’s visit to Anand Vihar, a major pollution hotspot, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the issue. During a recent emergency meeting on pollution, the Delhi government decided to focus on controlling pollution sources at 13 identified hotspots in the city.
Furthermore, Rai pointed fingers at Uttar Pradesh for allegedly dispatching diesel buses to Anand Vihar, thereby exacerbating pollution levels in East Delhi. He also noted that fines amounting to ₹17.40 lakh had been imposed on those breaching dust control regulations, promising to intensify enforcement measures from Sunday onwards.
On the other side, Union Minister and BJP leader Harsh Malhotra accused the AAP government of failing to deliver on its promises regarding pollution control and the cleaning of the Yamuna River. Malhotra, an MP from East Delhi, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the pollution in the Yamuna has only increased despite a decade of assurances from the Kejriwal administration. He emphasised the health risks posed to local residents, linking the government’s inaction to the rising pollution levels.
Malhotra’s comments highlight a growing discontent among citizens who have been affected by the poor air quality and the resultant health complications. The BJP’s critique is part of a broader narrative suggesting that the current government has not fulfilled its obligations, thereby allowing pollution levels to spiral out of control.
In response to the BJP’s accusations, AAP leader Reena Gupta countered by stating that both water and air pollution issues transcend administrative boundaries and require collective action. She argued that there is an airshed within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi and noted that the Supreme Court has consistently emphasised the need for cooperation among all state governments to tackle this pressing issue.
Gupta cited statistics indicating a sharp rise in stubble burning incidents in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, while Punjab has recorded a reduction in such occurrences. According to her, stubble burning in Haryana has increased by 30 per cent, while it has surged by 70 per cent in Uttar Pradesh. In contrast, Punjab has managed a 30 per cent decrease in stubble burning.
Delhi’s winter months typically see a spike in pollution levels, driven by a combination of low wind speeds, cooler temperatures, high humidity, and the presence of pollutants that facilitate condensation. Stubble burning from surrounding states, along with construction dust and vehicle emissions, further aggravates the air quality crisis.
A recent survey revealed that approximately 36 per cent of families in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) reported that one or more members experienced pollution-related health issues, including sore throats, coughs, and breathing difficulties. Additionally, 27 per cent of families noted that they had members suffering from runny noses and nasal congestion, illustrating the tangible effects of the ongoing pollution crisis on public health.
As the air quality in Delhi continues to decline, the political tussle between the AAP and the BJP highlights the urgent need for collaborative action to tackle pollution. Both parties have their share of responsibilities, and the complex nature of air quality management necessitates a unified approach across state lines. With the winter season approaching and pollution levels expected to worsen, it is crucial for all stakeholders to come together and prioritise the health and well-being of residents in the national capital.