New Delhi [India]: Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Thursday took a dip in the Yamuna river to mark his protest against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lead Delhi government with the rising pollution in the river as well as the city.
While visiting the banks of the Yamuna River, the Delhi BJP President challenged AAP leaders Chief Minister Atishi and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal to visit and inspect the condition of the river.
Speaking to ANI, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said that we have set up a red carpet for ‘shahi’ (royal) people. We have also arranged two chairs as this tradition was initiated by Atishi herself.
“We have arranged a red carpet as people who used to live in ‘Sheesh Mahal’, they are accustomed to the red carpet as they are ‘Shahi’ people. We have arranged two chairs as this tradition was initiated by Atishi herself, so if she comes, she will need two chairs. And if Arvind Kejriwal comes, we will be happy. Although he is on bail, he was the chief minister of Delhi. We will wait for some more time if they come”, he said
Delhi BJP President further stated, “They should give an account of Rs 8,500 crores that was given by the Central government to clean the Yamuna.”
Responding to the Delhi BJP President Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said that the BJP needs to ask its own state governments to stop industrial pollution.
“As far as industrial waste in Yamuna is concerned, there is no industry in Delhi. Industrial waste is coming from the drains of Panipat and Sonipat. This is verified, NGT has also said this many times. If Virendra Sachdeva is really serious about this, then he should talk to the Haryana government and stop industrial wast from Sonipat and Panipat,” he said.
On October 22, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena shared pictures on X, the toxic froth in Yamuna and asked the 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 has a very bad habit, it cannot be suppressed. Instead of making accusations, allegations and excuses on media/social media, it would be better to provide relief to the people of Delhi, especially Chhath worshippers and fasting people from this worsening situation. I expect concrete steps for redressal,” Delhi LG posted on X and shared the images of froth and garbage in the river.
The Delhi Environment Minister announced that GRAP-II (Graded Response Action Plan) rules have been enforced across North India as the air quality index (AQI) has crossed over 300.