20 October, 2024;Delhi Chief Minister Atishi recently addressed the escalating pollution crisis in the capital, expressing deep concern over the increasing levels of both air and water pollution. In a pointed critique, she accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engaging in “cheap politics” instead of focusing on solutions that could significantly reduce pollution in Delhi.
Atishi highlighted the growing contamination in the Yamuna river alongside the well-documented rise in air pollution over the past few days. She attributed this pollution surge not only to local sources but also to external factors like farm fires and the use of outdated, diesel-powered transport from neighboring states, particularly Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (UP).
The Issue of Stubble Burning
One of the key contributors to air pollution in Delhi is stubble burning, a practice that occurs predominantly in the agricultural regions surrounding the capital. Atishi pointed out that while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has made significant progress in reducing the number of farm fires, BJP-led states like Haryana and UP have failed to take adequate measures.
“The AAP government in Punjab has worked tirelessly for two years to reduce the incidents of stubble burning. Last year, stubble burning in Punjab was reduced to half,” she stated. However, she went on to contrast this achievement with the statistics from Haryana and UP, noting that farm fires in Haryana have increased by 23%, while UP has seen a 70% rise. “BJP is doing cheap politics with the people of Delhi,” Atishi remarked, accusing the BJP-ruled states of negligence that is worsening Delhi’s air quality.
Impact of Diesel-Powered Buses
Atishi also shed light on another major source of air pollution in Delhi: diesel-powered buses coming from neighboring states. In her speech, she drew attention to the fact that Delhi has transitioned to using only CNG and electric buses for public transportation. However, diesel-run buses from Haryana and UP, particularly those entering Delhi through the Anand Vihar area, continue to emit harmful pollutants, significantly impacting the air quality.
“An important reason for the pollution seen in the Anand Vihar area is the thousands of diesel-run buses coming from UP,” she emphasized. According to her, Anand Vihar consistently records the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the city, and the influx of these buses is a key contributor. She questioned why the governments of Haryana and UP have not yet introduced CNG and electric buses into their fleets, despite the pressing need for cleaner alternatives.
Brick Kilns in the NCR
In addition to vehicular emissions and stubble burning, Atishi pointed out that industrial pollution is another factor contributing to the region’s deteriorating air quality. She noted that there are 3,800 brick kilns operating in the National Capital Region (NCR), which produce significant amounts of harmful particulate matter. These kilns, many of which use traditional, high-polluting technologies, add to the already toxic environment in and around Delhi.
A Call for Action
Atishi’s remarks were not only a critique of the BJP but also a call to action for a collaborative approach to tackling pollution in Delhi and its neighboring states. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive, multi-state strategy to curb pollution, which includes adopting cleaner transportation, reducing farm fires, and regulating industries like brick kilns.
As Delhi’s pollution levels continue to rise, her comments underline the urgency of implementing effective policies and putting an end to political blame games. With both air and water pollution posing serious health risks to Delhi’s population, the need for immediate, coordinated efforts across state borders is clearer than ever.
