Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has offered a half-hearted ‘apology’ to citizens over the deteriorating air quality conditions in the city, although insisting no elected government can control the situation within the next ‘nine or ten months.’ The comments were made by the minister during a press conference.
“I would like to apologise to the people of Delhi and state that it is not possible for any elected government to completely reduce pollution levels within 9–10 months,” he stated while saying his government is handling an ongoing problem.
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He criticised the previous government, saying, “We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This disease of pollution is given to us by the AAP, and we are working to fix it.”
Public protest spills over into major event
The remarks of the minister came a day after air quality issues in Delhi sparked disruptions during Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour at Arun Jaitley Stadium. During the reception by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of Argentine football legend, crowd booed and chanted ‘AQI, AQI’.
The chant continued during the presence of the chief minister and upon her departure from the venue. Haze further contributed to the disarray, causing the chartered flight of Messi to arrive several hours late, resulting in the stadium appearance taking place during the late afternoon.
Air quality is only slightly improving
The air quality in Delhi persisted in a severe condition for the third consecutive day before slightly improving to a “very poor” level on Tuesday. The CPCB recorded a value of 378 for AQI at 9 am, registering a reduction from Monday evening's reading of 427.
Sirsa stated the status of pollution had been improving with every passing month, but asserted it would not decrease significantly over a short period of time.
Measures cited by the government
While commending the efforts that were being made, the minister pointed out that the landfill height had decreased by 15 meters, and 45 acres of land had been cleansed and reclaimed. In addition, he noted that a total of 62 pollution spots had been identified, and 13 showed lower levels of pollution than the previous year.
Sirsa said 3,427 electric buses have been put on the road in a bid to reduce emissions from vehicles. Prohibition on private vehicles not conforming to BS-VI standards entering Delhi, as well as carrying construction material, is already in effect. Vehicles that do not possess a pollution under control certificate will not be provided with fuel, and fuel stations will be monitored by cameras.
Additionally, fines of Rs. 9 crores imposed on polluting industries, distribution of 10,000 heaters to reduce wood burning, and directions issued to banquet halls regarding the use of DJs, were some of the aspects mentioned.
