Delhi's AQI Crosses 450 as Atishi Blames Centre for Air Pollution

New Delhi - Delhi Chief Minister Atishi today blamed the Central government for the severe air pollution crisis gripping the national capital and other North Indian states. She accused the BJP-led government of inaction and criticized neighboring states for uncontrolled stubble burning, which she claims has contributed to the emergency.

Addressing the media, Atishi presented data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicating that several cities across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan are also experiencing severe air quality. She specifically highlighted Madhya Pradesh, citing over 700 daily stubble burning incidents contributing to the hazardous conditions. Atishi pointed out that between September 15 and September 17, approximately 9,600 stubble burning incidents occurred in Madhya Pradesh.

The Chief Minister questioned the Centre's efforts over the past seven years to combat stubble burning, comparing the situation to Punjab, another AAP-ruled state, which has successfully reduced such incidents. Atishi emphasized the need for a collective approach from the Central government, urging an end to politicization of the issue. She stated that the toxic air impacts people from all parties in all states and called for a solution that prioritizes the well-being of citizens, especially the elderly and children.

Atishi criticized the BJP's politicization of farm fires, stating that collective action was necessary rather than politicizing the issue. She questioned why other states, particularly those ruled by the BJP, were unable to control farm fires like Punjab. Delhi's 39 monitoring stations recorded AQI readings above 450 on Monday, per the CPCB. Neighboring regions also faced varying levels of pollution, with Noida's AQI at 384 ('very poor'), Faridabad's at 320 ('poor'), Ghaziabad's at 400 ('severe'), and Gurugram's at 446 ('severe').

(Source- IANS)