Delhi AQI 'Very Poor': Sanjay Singh Slams Centre for 'Blame Game' Amid Pollution Crisis
AAP MP Sanjay Singh accuses the Centre of a blame game as Delhi's air quality remains 'Very Poor' and AQI levels soar.
The national capital continues to struggle with hazardous air quality, with the Delhi AQI pollution levels remaining in the 'Very Poor' category. On Monday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the Air Quality Index at 344 around 4 pm. The situation appeared even more dire in specific pockets, with Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg recording an AQI of 392.
Sanjay Singh Hits Out at BJP Leadership
Reacting to the deteriorating air quality, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh launched a scathing attack on the Central Government. Singh accused the BJP leadership of avoiding accountability and attempting to shift the burden of the crisis onto the AAP government.
Highlighting alarming data from private monitoring sources, Singh claimed that some readings showed AQI levels far exceeding the 'dangerous' threshold. He specifically pointed to a staggering figure of 3,336 in Delhi, describing it as a matter of grave concern that damages India's global image.
"The entire Bharatiya Janata Party and its leadership are shamelessly trying to conceal their failures and the 'crimes' of this pollution, choosing instead to pour all their energy into a 'blame game' against the Aam Aadmi Party," Singh stated.
Criticism of Prime Minister Modi
The AAP leader took a direct swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the efficacy of the government's long-term strategies. Singh remarked that while the Prime Minister claims to work 36 hours a day, the result over the last 12 years has been a decline in air quality, noting that 99 of the world's 100 most polluted cities are now in India.
Singh further alleged that there is no record of the Centre sitting down with state governments to find a permanent solution. He emphasized the human cost of the crisis, stating that pollution claims 20 lakh lives across India annually, with 30,000 of those deaths occurring in Delhi alone.
The Stubble Burning Debate
Addressing the issue of crop residue burning, Sanjay Singh defended the AAP government's performance in Punjab. He claimed a massive reduction in stubble burning incidents, citing a drop from 71,000 annual incidents to between 3,500 and 4,000 since AAP took power in 2022—a decline of approximately 90 per cent.
He further accused the BJP of maligning Punjab's farmers. Singh recalled how farmers were labeled 'Khalistanis' and 'terrorists' during their protests against the three farm laws, arguing that instead of being appreciated for reducing stubble burning, they are now being subjected to abuse.
Congress Calls for Coordinated Strategy
Adding to the discourse, Congress Uttar Pradesh in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam urged citizens to be vigilant about the health risks associated with the smog. He specifically highlighted the vulnerability of children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
Gautam called for a coordinated strategy to tackle the root causes of pollution and urged the government to take strict action against polluting activities. Referring to the festival of Diwali, he noted that the celebration is about light and happiness, and that human life must be prioritized over all else.