Priyanka Gandhi Compares Delhi's AQI With Wayanad's, Likens Megalopolis To 'Gas Chamber'

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was in Kerala's Wayanad for her first electoral contest, likened returning to Delhi amid the toxic air pollution to "entering a gas chamber."

She stated that this issue transcends party politics, emphasising the need for everyone to collaborate on a solution to this ongoing problem.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the 'severe' category for the second consecutive day, causing health issues for residents and visibility problems.

"Coming back to Delhi from Wayanad, where the air is beautiful and the AQI is 35, was like entering a gas chamber. The blanket of smog is even more shocking when seen from the air," the Congress leader remarked in a post on X.

"Delhi's pollution gets worse every year. We really should put our heads together and find a solution for cleaner air. It's beyond this party or that; it's practically impossible to breathe, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems. We just have to do something about it," she added.

Delhi's annual pollution crisis is driven by a combination of geographical factors, local pollution from vehicles and construction, and crop stubble burning from neighbouring states. A comprehensive solution requires cooperation from all stakeholders, including multiple states. However, political rivalry and blame games have hindered progress towards a lasting resolution.

This year, the toxic air quality has sparked intense exchanges between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP, which governs at the Centre.

The issue has also reached the Supreme Court, which recently questioned why its ban on firecrackers was not followed during Diwali. The court pointed out that no religion encourages activities that cause pollution and affirmed that the right to live in a pollution-free environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court will hear a new petition on the air pollution issue on Monday.