As pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) spike, the air quality index (AQI) has consistently hovered in the "severe" category, raising alarms about public health. According to environmental experts, stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and dust from construction activities are the primary culprits behind the hazardous levels of air pollution. Both AAP and BJP, however, continue to trade barbs over their respective roles in addressing the crisis.
Kejriwal, in his recent statements, pointed directly to Haryana and Punjab, accusing BJP-run Haryana of contributing significantly to the smoke that engulfs Delhi due to unchecked stubble burning. In contrast, BJP leaders, such as Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva, have dismissed Kejriwal's claims, asserting that it is the AAP-led Punjab government that is at fault for failing to control farm fires in its jurisdiction. The ongoing political blame game has intensified as pollution levels have surged, leaving millions of Delhi residents grappling with toxic air.
The BJP's rebuttal centers on the claim that stubble burning in Punjab has witnessed a sharp increase, with reports indicating thousands of incidents in the past few weeks. BJP leaders argue that despite Kejriwal's vocal criticism, his government has been ineffective in managing pollution within the city, pointing to insufficient action on internal pollution sources like road dust and vehicular emissions. The BJP has also accused the AAP government of using the pollution crisis as a political tool to deflect attention from its administrative failures.
The debate over the sources of pollution has extended beyond just air quality. Delhi’s water quality has also come under scrutiny, with the BJP accusing the AAP government of neglecting the Yamuna River’s pollution. The river, which serves as a lifeline for the capital, has been plagued by high levels of industrial waste and untreated sewage. Despite repeated assurances from the Delhi government to clean up the river, progress has been slow, fueling further criticism from the opposition.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s citizens are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Schools have been forced to close, and health advisories have been issued, urging residents to stay indoors. The situation has also reignited debates about long-term solutions to Delhi’s environmental problems. Experts advocate for measures such as transitioning to cleaner fuels, implementing stricter emissions standards, and improving waste management practices to combat both air and water pollution.
With elections looming in the coming months, both AAP and BJP have intensified their rhetoric, seeking to leverage the pollution crisis to gain political mileage. Kejriwal has framed the issue as a failure of BJP governance at the state level, while the BJP has accused the AAP of mismanagement and political opportunism. As the political tug-of-war continues, the environmental and health challenges facing Delhi remain unresolved.
The Centre has attempted to mediate the standoff, with initiatives such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) aimed at reducing pollution during peak periods. However, the implementation of these measures has been inconsistent, with both state and central governments accusing each other of delays and inefficiencies. Moreover, farmers in Punjab and Haryana have expressed frustration over the lack of viable alternatives to stubble burning, despite subsidies being offered for machines that help manage crop residue.