Lagatar24 Desk
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticized the central government on Monday, accusing it of failing to act decisively against pollution as the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 481, marking the worst air quality of the season.
Atishi Blames Centre for Stubble Burning and Inaction
Atishi attributed the choking smog in Delhi to stubble burning in neighboring states, excluding Punjab, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governs. She alleged that the BJP-led central government has prioritized “politics on pollution” over actionable measures.
“Other cities in northern India are also polluted… what is the centre doing? Only Punjab has reduced stubble burning. Why doesn’t the centre act against others?” Atishi said.
Delhi Government Under Supreme Court’s Scrutiny
The Chief Minister’s remarks coincided with the Supreme Court reprimanding the Delhi government for delays in implementing anti-pollution measures.
•GRAP-3, the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, was invoked last week, hours after Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai claimed it would not be necessary.
•GRAP-4, the strictest stage, was enacted on Monday morning as AQI levels worsened.
The Supreme Court questioned the delay in implementing GRAP-3 and sought clarity on how measures under GRAP-4 are being enforced.
The court further directed the Delhi government to maintain GRAP-4 restrictions until explicit approval for their withdrawal, stating, “… even if AQI goes below 300… this is the order.”
