New Delhi [India]: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, accusing him of being indifferent to the growing pollution crisis in north India.
Citing a report from a national daily titled “AQI in North India hits ‘severe plus’ level; toxic smog now visible even from space,” AAP took to X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Bhupendra Yadav ji ko koi fark nahin padhta” (Bhupendra Yadav ji does not care).
Delhi, in particular, has been grappling with severely deteriorating air quality and thick smog for the past few weeks. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 379, categorised as ‘very poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Thursday morning.
According to the data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded in Delhi was 379, categorised as ‘very poor, as of 8 am on Thursday.
As of 8 am, according to the data of the CPCB, the AQI measured at Chandani Chowk is 338, IGI Airport (T3) is 370, ITO is 355, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is 354, RK Puram is 387, Okhla Phase 2 is 370, Patparganj is 381, Sonia Vihar is 394 and Aya Nagar is 359, categorized as ‘very poor’.
However, various places in Delhi are still in the cap of ‘severe’ category air pollution, as the AQI in Anand Vihar is 405, Ashok Vihar is 414, Bawana is 418, Dwarka Sector-8 is 401, Mundka is 413 and Wazirpur is 436.
In response to the alarming pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR starting on November 18th. Stage IV of GRAP includes restrictions such as banning truck entry and suspending public construction projects.
Meanwhile, residents have voiced their concerns, urging the government to take immediate action to combat the pollution, which is severely affecting their daily activities and health.
“Delhi Government should take a major step to control the pollution as it affects us and create problems when we go for a morning walk,” an elderly local said.