Lucknow: Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav issued a stern warning on Sunday, stating that the protection of the Aravalli mountain range is the only way to prevent Delhi-NCR from permanently becoming the “world’s pollution capital.”
The Natural Shield of the Capital
Yadav emphasized that the Aravallis serve as a vital ecological barrier for the National Capital Region. He highlighted several critical functions of the range, including:
- Air Purification: Acting as a natural filter to reduce air pollution.
- Climate Regulation: Regulating local temperatures and aiding rainfall patterns.
- Biodiversity: Conserving wildlife and reviving vanishing wetlands.
“If the Aravallis survive, the NCR will survive,” Yadav stated. “It can bring back disappearing birds and even make Delhi’s lost stars visible again.”
Economic and Global Consequences
The SP leader warned that the ongoing environmental degradation has far-reaching consequences beyond health. He noted that if pollution remains unchecked:
- International Events: Major sporting events like the Olympics or Commonwealth Games would become impossible to host in Delhi.
- Economic Downturn: Delhi could lose its status as North India’s premier economic hub, devastating industries like hotels, handicrafts, and transport.
- Travel Disruptions: Frequent flight cancellations, train delays, and hazardous road conditions due to smog would discourage investment and tourism.
A Call for a Mass Movement
Attributing the destruction of the hills to illegal mining and “unchecked greed for land,” Yadav called for a collective effort to protect the heritage of the region. He urged citizens, media organizations, educational institutions, and traders to join a mass movement titled ‘Save Aravalli’.
“Saving the Aravallis means saving ourselves,” he concluded, noting that the elderly and children are currently bearing the brunt of the city’s toxic air.