The pollution crisis in Delhi following Diwali has escalated into a political confrontation, with Delhi minister and BJP leader Kapil Mishra accusing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) officials of allegedly orchestrating farm fires in Punjab to exacerbate the capital’s air quality issues. Mishra suggested that an investigation into these incidents could potentially implicate former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The AAP and Congress have countered by blaming the BJP government for inadequate enforcement and for allegedly suppressing air quality data.

The BJP responded by accusing the Opposition of only raising concerns about pollution during Hindu festivals, with MP Praveen Khandelwal stating that the Congress and AAP failed to address the issue during their respective tenures in power. This exchange of accusations coincided with a significant increase in air pollution levels in Delhi, which reached ‘severe’ categories in multiple areas.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 373 at 11.05 pm on November 5, with several areas, including Alipur and Rohini, reporting AQI levels exceeding 400. Reports indicated that some monitoring stations ceased displaying real-time data as pollution levels surged, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Allegations of Data Suppression and Manipulation

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera highlighted that PM2.5 readings were unavailable at 25 of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations during a critical period, prompting questions about whether the government was suppressing data. Khera suggested that the absence of readings could either indicate deliberate action or that pollution levels were so high that they exceeded the measuring capacity of the equipment.

Khera referenced a 2019 Supreme Court ruling that had reprimanded both the Centre and state governments for their handling of Delhi’s air quality, questioning why citizens were forced to endure such hazardous conditions. He noted that previous administrations had consistently shifted blame between parties without implementing effective solutions, leaving residents to suffer the consequences.

In a similar vein, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that the AQI had reached alarming levels, posting a video to support his assertion. He accused the government of engaging in data fraud regarding air quality, warning that misleading information could lead to serious health risks for the population. Bharadwaj also targeted the Delhi government’s plans for artificial rain, suggesting that such measures were insufficient to address the root causes of pollution.

Long-Term Solutions and Historical Context

The BJP’s Khandelwal reiterated that the Opposition has historically raised pollution concerns only during Hindu festivals, arguing that both the Congress and AAP had ample opportunity to address pollution during their respective periods in governance. He stated that over 25 years, neither party had taken significant steps to mitigate the issue, resulting in the current state of air quality in Delhi.

As part of the Graded Response Action Plan, the Commission for Air Quality Management had implemented Stage 3 measures prior to Diwali as a precautionary approach. The Supreme Court had permitted the use of certified green firecrackers on November 7 and 8, but a complete ban was reinstated on November 9, reflecting ongoing concerns about air quality in the capital.

The political discourse surrounding air pollution in Delhi continues to intensify, with each party seeking to position itself in response to the growing public health crisis. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of governance and accountability in addressing environmental issues that affect millions of residents in the region.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share