Rahul Gandhi Calls Air Pollution In North India A National Emergency, Seeks Govt's Urgent Attention

Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, has labelled air pollution in North India as a "national emergency." He urged Members of Parliament to prioritise this issue during the Winter Session. The air quality in Delhi-NCR has reached alarming levels, prompting Gandhi to call for immediate action. He shared his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), emphasising the need for a united national response.

In a video discussion with environmentalist Vimlendu Jha at India Gate, Gandhi highlighted the severe impact of air pollution. "Air pollution is a public health crisis that is stealing our children's future, suffocating the elderly, and ruining countless lives," he stated. He noted that the poor are disproportionately affected, facing health disparities and limited economic opportunities.

Impact on Health and Economy

Gandhi expressed concern over how pollution affects vulnerable populations. "The poorest among us suffer the most, unable to escape the toxic air that surrounds them. Families are gasping for clean air, children are falling sick and millions of lives are being cut short. Tourism is declining and our global reputation is crumbling," he said.

The former Congress chief stressed the need for comprehensive changes to tackle this issue. "The cloud of pollution covers hundreds of kilometres. Cleaning it up will need major changes and decisive action -- from governments, companies, experts and citizens. We need a collective national response, not political blame games," he added.

Upcoming Parliamentary Session

The Winter Session of Parliament is set from November 25 to December 20. Rahul Gandhi urged MPs to focus on strategies to combat air pollution during this time. "As Parliament convenes, the irritated eyes and sore throats of MPs themselves will serve as a grim reminder of our shared responsibility to act," he remarked.

On Friday morning, Delhi was enveloped in thick smog. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371, indicating 'very poor' conditions. Specific areas like Anand Vihar (410), Bawana (411), Mundka (402), and Wazirpur (413) reported AQI levels in the 'severe' category.

Environmental Concerns

During their discussion, Vimlendu Jha identified stubble burning and lifestyle choices as major contributors to Delhi-NCR's air pollution. Jha mentioned that stubble burning is an episodic issue lasting about three weeks but requires long-term solutions for farmers.

He also emphasised the need for lifestyle changes to address ongoing pollution sources like vehicle emissions and industrial waste. These measures are crucial for reducing persistent pollution levels in the region.

Legal Considerations

The Supreme Court announced plans to review next week whether to ease restrictions under GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan). The court acknowledged that these stringent measures have significant consequences on various societal sectors.

This review aims to balance necessary environmental protections with potential adverse effects on different communities affected by GRAP-4 regulations.

The urgent call by Rahul Gandhi highlights the pressing need for collaborative efforts across all sectors to address North India's air quality crisis effectively.