Delhi pollution is getting extreme which has led to poor air quality levels in the centre. Latest reports suggest that the air quality has been under the “Poor” category according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. According to reports, the full day average AQI in Delhi at 9:00 a.m. was recorded as 265. Whereas in Akshardham and Anand Vihar AQI is worse, at 334 which falls under the “Very Poor” category. On top of poor air quality, Delhi is also suffering from smog related issues which has led to a significant decrease in visibility while driving on roads. The Delhi government led by Chief Minister Atishi said that anti-pollution measures are being taken strictly. Several teams have been created for dust control measures.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadami Party (AAP) in the centre has blamed the BJP and said that the party is responsible for poor air quality as well as water pollution in Delhi. In a statement by Atishi, she said that air pollution in Delhi, specifically in Anand Vihar is being caused by the buses that are coming from Uttar Pradesh. She has stated that most of Delhi’s buses are run on CNG or electricity but the buses that are coming from UP and Haryana, run on diesel which has significantly contributed to a higher pollution level. Further, questioning the UP and the Haryana government she asks why they cannot introduce CNG or Electric buses.
During a Press conference, Atishi also mentioned that the Haryana government is not able to decrease farm fires. But in fact they have increased from 341 to 417 between October 1 to 15 October as compared to last year. Whereas, Punjab has been successful in reducing them from 71,300 in 2021 to 36,600 and 2023. Raising questions again on the BJP government in Haryana and UP, she asked if the Punjab government is able to reduce Parli burning then why is the BJP led governments in two states not able to do it?
Water pollution in Delhi
Furthermore, let us tell you that lately, videos of the Yamuna river were going viral on the internet after it was seen covered with thick layers of toxic chemical froth. The amount of chemicals in water has raised concern of water pollution in Delhi and has raised questions on the Delhi government. On this matter as well the Delhi government has blamed the BJP and has accused the BJP party of playing “dirty politics“. The Delhi CM has claimed that the Yamuna river is getting polluted due to untreated industrial wastewater released in Yamuna. She said that 165 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) of industrial untreated wastewater is discharged into the Yamuna river. This chemical release comes majorly from Badshahpur, Mungeshpur and other drains according to Atishi. On top of that, Uttar Pradesh adds 65 (MGD) into yamuna according to her.
Countering to Atishi’s claims, the BJP spokesperson has said that, instead of being responsible and collaborating with the centre to resolve the issues the AAP government is busy playing the blame game. Politics at such a time is shameful says Shazia Ilmi of the BJP. She also calls Atishi the puppet CM.