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The national capital region of Delhi is currently grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a staggering 481 – the worst recorded so far this season. This alarming situation has prompted a heated exchange between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has directly accused the Centre of failing to adequately address the issue, accusing them of prioritizing politics over pollution control. She specifically highlighted the contribution of farm fires in neighboring states (excluding Punjab, where the AAP is also in power) to the deteriorating air quality and criticized the Centre's inaction in curbing these fires. This points to a significant political dimension, with the AAP utilizing the pollution crisis as a tool to challenge the BJP's environmental policies in the run-up to the upcoming February elections.
The Supreme Court has also entered the fray, expressing its displeasure with the Delhi government's handling of the situation. The court questioned the delay in implementing the third stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3), which was eventually invoked after the AQI crossed 400, despite an earlier denial by Environment Minister Gopal Rai. The Court's sharp criticism emphasizes the government’s reactive approach rather than a proactive strategy to anticipate and mitigate the annual pollution surge. The judges specifically questioned why the government waited until the AQI reached such a critical level before acting, highlighting the risks associated with this delay. Furthermore, the court issued a strict order that Delhi could not revert to a lower GRAP stage without its explicit authorization, underscoring its firm stance on the matter. This judicial intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and serves as a legal constraint on the government’s actions.
The Supreme Court's criticism extends beyond the current emergency response, touching upon the repeated failure to effectively control pollution during Diwali. The Court previously condemned the lax implementation of the firecracker ban and deemed the explanations offered by the government and police as insufficient. The Court’s consistent and pointed criticism reveals a pattern of inadequate governance and a lack of proactive measures to prevent the annual worsening of the air quality. This consistent failure reflects a more substantial issue concerning environmental regulations and implementation. This recurring problem, predictable in nature, indicates that long-term strategic planning and enforcement are lacking, with consequences for public health and quality of life.
The BJP, meanwhile, is capitalizing on the AAP government's struggles, using the pollution crisis as an opportunity to criticize its governance and highlight the severity of the situation for Delhi's residents. The BJP's Delhi unit president, Virendra Sachdeva, has directly blamed the AAP for the pollution levels, pointing to the city's governance as the root cause and calling for better dust control and a halt to stubble burning in Punjab. This political maneuvering underscores the political implications of the environmental crisis. The public health crisis created by the pollution is being used as ammunition in the ongoing political battle between the two major parties in Delhi.
The ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi reveals a complex interplay between environmental factors, governmental actions, and political maneuvering. While stubble burning in neighboring states contributes significantly to the problem, the lack of proactive measures from both the Delhi government and the central government has exacerbated the situation. The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the serious legal and public health implications of this recurring crisis. The criticism leveled at the AAP government's response, coupled with the BJP’s political attacks, demonstrates the significant political ramifications of the environmental issue. Moving forward, addressing the crisis will require a multi-faceted approach involving stronger environmental regulations, stricter enforcement, collaboration between the central and state governments, and potentially long-term strategies to curb the use of polluting substances and practices. The ongoing political conflict should not be allowed to overshadow the urgent need for comprehensive and effective solutions to this devastating environmental emergency.
Source: Atishi Targets Centre On Stubble Burning Amid Delhi's Air Emergency