Atishi Slams Centre For Inaction On Stubble Burning As Delhi Suffers Toxic Smog Crisis

Delhi's Chief Minister, Atishi, sharply criticized the central government on Monday, accusing it of failing to take meaningful action to combat the severe pollution crisis affecting the national capital. The city was shrouded in a dense, toxic layer of smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 481 - the worst air quality so far this season. Atishi, from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), blamed stubble burning in neighboring states for significantly contributing to the hazardous air conditions. She particularly pointed fingers at the central government, which, under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been accused of inaction in addressing the pollution.

"Other cities in northern India are also facing similar levels of pollution, yet the Centre is doing nothing," Atishi said, while questioning the government's response to the crisis. "Punjab, where our party is in power, has made efforts to reduce stubble burning. But why hasn't the Centre acted to control stubble burning in other states?" she added, suggesting that the Centre's reluctance to intervene in the matter is a form of political maneuvering, which has left residents struggling to breathe.

This outburst came amid growing tensions between the Delhi government and the central government, particularly over the issue of stubble burning. Stubble burning, a common practice in neighboring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, is one of the key factors responsible for the seasonal air pollution crisis that engulfs Delhi every winter. The practice of burning rice straw releases large amounts of smoke into the air, significantly worsening air quality and contributing to health hazards.

Atishi's statements were made in the context of the ongoing air pollution emergency in Delhi, which led to the invocation of the third stage of anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3). The GRAP-3 measures were enforced only after a delay, as Environment Minister Gopal Rai had initially stated that these measures would not be implemented. The sudden shift to GRAP-3, hours after Rai's statement, raised questions about the Delhi government's preparedness and response.

Despite these measures, the city's air quality continued to worsen, and on Monday morning, the government moved into the fourth phase of anti-pollution measures, known as GRAP-4, in an effort to address the worsening conditions. GRAP-4 is the most stringent set of measures, designed for when the AQI reaches levels that are considered hazardous to health. These measures include restrictions on construction and demolition activities, the closure of brick kilns, and the banning of non-essential vehicle use.

The Supreme Court of India, which regularly monitors air pollution cases, also intervened in the situation, questioning the Delhi government's delayed response. The Court reprimanded the AAP government for not invoking GRAP-3 sooner, despite the AQI crossing the 400 mark, a level considered to be "severe." The Court further emphasized the predictable nature of this problem, noting that it is an annual crisis that requires timely and proactive measures. The Court also made it clear that the Delhi government could not drop below the GRAP-4 level without its explicit authorization, even if the AQI were to fall below 300.

The timing of the Supreme Court's comments has placed additional pressure on the Delhi government, as it highlights the ongoing failure to effectively manage the city's pollution levels, particularly in the face of stubble burning from neighboring states. The Court's intervention underscores the growing urgency of addressing Delhi's chronic air quality crisis.

In response to the ongoing emergency, the Delhi government has implemented several measures aimed at reducing pollution, such as shutting down coal-based power plants, controlling traffic, and taking actions against industries contributing to pollution. However, these efforts have been criticized as insufficient, and the lack of cooperation from neighboring states, particularly Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, has further complicated the situation.

The ongoing tussle between the Delhi government and the Centre reflects broader political and administrative challenges in tackling air pollution, especially when it is influenced by factors outside the city's control, such as stubble burning. While Atishi has called on the Centre to take stronger action, particularly against states that continue to practice stubble burning, it remains to be seen whether a coordinated, multi-state effort can effectively address this complex issue.