'Post-Diwali Period To Be Critical': Rai On Delhi Pollution, Slams BJP 'Theatrics' After Sachdeva’s Yamuna Dip

Delhi Pollution: Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasised the urgency of curbing air pollution in northern India, highlighting the significance of the next 15 days for implementing effective measures.

File Photo of Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai

Source : x@AapKaGopalRai

Delhi Pollution: Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has stressed the urgent need to address air pollution in northern India, declaring the next 15 days as crucial for implementing effective measures. Following a significant meeting with the Union government on Friday attended by Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Bhupender Yadav, as well as environment ministers from neighbouring states, Rai addressed a press conference on Saturday.

According to news agency PTI, Rai expressed concern over the delayed timing of this year's meeting, stating, "Last year, a similar meeting was held in August, allowing us more time to strategise. This year's meeting took place in the last week of October. Had it been conducted three months earlier, we could have tackled the pollution problem more effectively." 

The Delhi Environment Minister noted a promising reduction in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, reporting only 1,500 cases this year compared to nearly 5,000 in 2022. However, he pointed to an increase in stubble-burning incidents in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, warning that this could significantly impact regional air quality.

"The next 15 days are crucial," he cautioned, explaining that seasonal winds from the northwest could carry pollutants into Delhi and surrounding areas, worsening the pollution crisis. "While stubble burning has reduced, the post-Diwali period will be critical," he added, as quoted by PTI. Rai urged both central and state authorities to intensify their efforts in the coming days, aiming to mitigate pollution levels before winter, when air quality typically deteriorates due to stagnant air and cooler temperatures.

Gopal Rai Says 'Theatrics Alone Won't Reduce Pollution' After Delhi BJP President Takes Dip In Yamuna

Meanwhile, Gopal Rai on Saturday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its alleged role in Delhi's rising pollution levels, accusing it of prioritising theatrics over practical solutions. "The BJP is the party that creates pollution and seems to believe that only drama can solve it," he stated. "I think all governments and parties need to work together. I wish them good health, but stopping this 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."

Rai's comments followed reports of Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva being hospitalised at RML Nursing Home due to breathing difficulties and severe skin irritation after participating in a symbolic protest by dipping in the Yamuna River. The protest aimed to draw attention to alleged "corruption" within the Delhi government related to river cleaning efforts. 

Delhi Air Quality Improves Due To Favourable Winds

On a more positive note, the air quality in Delhi showed some improvement on Saturday morning, attributed to favourable winds, even though the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the 'poor' category, PTI reported. At 9 am, the AQI was recorded at 227, down from 281 the previous morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The 24-hour average AQI recorded until 4 pm on Friday was 270, marking a second consecutive day of improvement after four days in the 'very poor' range. However, areas like Mundka and Anand Vihar remained in the 'very poor' category on Saturday. 

The AQI categorisation indicates levels between zero and 50 as 'good', 51 to 100 as 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 as 'moderate', 201 to 300 as 'poor', 301 to 400 as 'very poor', and 401 to 500 as 'severe'. Similar wind conditions are anticipated over the next day or so, although pollution levels are expected to rise again in the next two to three days due to unfavourable weather, with the AQI likely to reach 400 by October 31, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System.