AAP accuses Haryana of contributing to Delhi's pollution crisis, citing ‘Punjab 500 km away’
Delhi Air Quality: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has placed blame on Haryana for the ongoing pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, highlighting the state's close proximity to the national capital. AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar has called for an evaluation of the anti-pollution measures undertaken by the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government since 2014.
Kakkar emphasised the significance of Haryana's role, stating, "The stubble burning in Punjab is approximately 500 kilometers away, and the stubble burning in Haryana is only 100 kilometers away. An analysis should be conducted on the anti-pollution measures implemented by the Khattar government in Haryana since 2014."
The AAP spokesperson also pointed out that Delhi has witnessed a 31% reduction in air pollution. She cited the Economic Survey 2022-23, in which the central government recognized that the air quality in Delhi has been the best in the last eight years. Data from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) also indicates a 50-67% reduction in stubble burning in Punjab.#WATCH | Delhi: The air quality in Delhi is in the 'Severe' category as per the Central Pollution Control Board.
(Drone camera visuals from Ashram area, shot at 8.15 a.m) pic.twitter.com/QkkywWwi4w — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2023
Despite these improvements, the overall air quality in the national capital remains in the 'severe' category, prompting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to convene a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat. The Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi has forecasted that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) will continue to be 'severe' for the next few days.
To address the situation, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked stage IV of the graded action response plan (GRAP) on Sunday, introducing additional anti-pollution measures. These measures include a ban on truck traffic entering Delhi, with exceptions for essential commodities and services, as well as LNG/CNG/electric trucks. Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will also be prohibited from plying in Delhi, except for those transporting essential goods and services.
AAP's criticism of Haryana's role in the pollution crisis reflects the ongoing concern over air quality in the Delhi-NCR region and the need for coordinated efforts to address this issue.
- With inputs from agencies
