Choking Politics: Pollution Crisis in Delhi

Delhi's air and water pollution crisis intensifies, attributed by Chief Minister Atishi to the BJP's 'dirty politics.' Diesel buses, brick kilns, and industrial wastewater are cited as key culprits, with pollution worsening during winter. AAP credits reductions in Punjab farm fires while Haryana and UP see increases.

Chief Minister Atishi of Delhi has sharply criticized the BJP, accusing its 'dirty politics' of exacerbating the capital's air and water pollution problems. As winter sets in, Delhi's air quality worsens, and the Yamuna river's surface gets covered with toxic chemical froth, particularly in areas like Kalindikunj.

Atishi absolved AAP-ruled Punjab of blame, pointing instead to Haryana, controlled by the BJP, where paddy stubble burning, diesel buses, and brick kilns contribute to pollution. The thousands of diesel buses entering the city from Uttar Pradesh, along with brick kilns and regional thermal plants, further degrade Delhi's air.

Untreated industrial wastewater from Haryana, totaling 165 million gallons daily, and from UP, releasing 65 million gallons daily, has been linked to froth formation on the Yamuna. At a press conference, Atishi praised Punjab's reduction of farm fires but highlighted the increase in Haryana and UP, questioning BJP's efforts compared to AAP's advancements.

(With inputs from agencies.)