New Delhi [India]: BJP leader Shazia Ilmi on Saturday criticised the AAP-led Delhi Government for its handling of the city’s worsening pollution crisis, highlighting the alarming presence of toxic foam in the River Yamuna and the resulting breathing difficulties for residents.
“BJP leader Virendraa Sachdeva has fallen ill. Two days ago he took a dip in the Yamuna river. Today he is admitted to the hospital…This is an issue connected to the health of the public of Delhi. Where have the Rs 3000 crore meant for the public of Delhi and Yamuna river?… The public of Delhi is not able to breathe…Toxic foam is floating on the Yamuna River,” Ilmi told media.
She further said that the the entire Delhi is in a bad state and the people are getting troubled
“How shameless are these Aam Aadmi Party people? Rs 3000 crore which the Central Government has given to the Delhi Government is only for cleaning the Yamuna… Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva ji took a dip in the toxic (Yammuna) water to protest against the rising pollution…But their eyes haven’t opened yet. The entire Delhi is in a bad state and the people are getting troubled. Look at the limit of AQI… the situation is getting worse and worse,” she added.
Earlier today, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing it of contributing to Delhi’s escalating air pollution while only focusing on theatrics instead of real solutions.
Speaking to media, Rai stated, “The BJP is the party that creates pollution and seems to believe that only drama can solve it. I think all governments and parties need to work together. I wish them good health, but stopping these theatrics alone won’t reduce pollution. This reflects the BJP leaders’ level of understanding. When I was preparing the winter action plan, I had written to the BJP President, but no response or suggestions have come so far.”
This statement came following news that Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, who recently took a dip in the Yamuna River as a protest against alleged “corruption” within the Delhi government, was hospitalised on Saturday morning at RML Nursing Home due to breathing difficulties and severe skin irritation.
Sachdeva had participated in this symbolic dip at a ghat near ITO on Thursday, criticising the Delhi government for allegedly diverting funds meant for river cleaning.
Gopal Rai further mentioned that a joint meeting was conducted with central and state government ministers to address pollution from stubble burning.
On October 22, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena shared pictures on X of the toxic froth in the Yamuna and urged authorities to focus on providing relief to the city’s residents. instead of making “excuses.”
“These pictures of Yamuna ji are from this morning. Who is responsible? Truth is a very bad habit; it cannot be suppressed. Instead of making accusations and excuses on media/social media, it would be better to provide relief to the people of Delhi, especially Chhath worshippers and those who are fasting during this worsening situation. I expect concrete steps for redressal,” the Delhi LG posted on X alongside the images of froth and garbage in the river.
The air quality in Delhi on Saturday recorded a slight improvement from what it was a day ago with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 237 in the ‘ Poor’ category according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).