Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: As Delhi’s pollution levels worsen, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has attributed the escalating air quality concerns, particularly in Anand Vihar, to emissions from diesel buses commuting from neighboring Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Haryana. The AAP government also accused these BJP-ruled states of contributing to the pollution in the Yamuna River by releasing untreated effluents.
Addressing the media, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi emphasized that the major contributor to pollution in Anand Vihar was the influx of diesel-run buses from UP and Haryana. “Delhi’s buses run on CNG or electricity, but those coming from UP and Haryana operate on diesel, causing significant pollution,” Atishi stated, adding that the Delhi government would initiate discussions with the UP administration to explore solutions.
Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai, who joined Atishi in inspecting the severely affected Anand Vihar area, further blamed the buses from UP for doubling the pollution in the capital. He urged the Yogi Adityanath-led government to take measures, including water sprinkling at the Kaushambi bus depot, to reduce emissions.
The air quality in Delhi has consistently deteriorated over the past week, with a dense layer of smog engulfing the city. According to reports from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar’s AQI recorded PM 2.5 levels at 454, categorized as ‘severe’, while areas like Jahangirpuri and ITO recorded ‘very poor’ and ‘poor’ AQI levels respectively.
Atishi listed several anti-pollution measures taken by the Delhi government, including the deployment of 99 dust control teams and over 325 smog guns across the city. She highlighted the government’s focus on hotspots like Anand Vihar, which borders UP, as an area requiring immediate attention.
Rai also accused the BJP of sensationalizing the pollution crisis for political gain while the Delhi government focused on solutions, especially in preparation for the upcoming Chhath Puja.
