Gadkari says two days in Delhi causes throat infection, 40% pollution linked to transport

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently admitted that the transport sector contributes about 40% to air pollution in Delhi, as the national capital continues to face severe air quality conditions.

Speaking at a book launch in Delhi, Gadkari said pollution has a direct personal impact on him. He said, “I stay in Delhi for two days and I have developed a throat infection. Delhi is troubled by pollution.”

Accepting responsibility as minister in-charge of road transport, he said, “I am the transport minister and almost 40% of pollution is caused by our sector.”

Gadkari also criticized India’s dependence on fossil fuels, saying the country spends about ₹22 lakh crore every year on their imports.

Questioning the sustainability of this approach, he said, “What kind of nationalism is this? Fossil fuels are limited and pollution is increasing.”

Calling for faster adoption of clean alternatives, he asked, “Can’t we reduce the use of fossil fuels? Why can’t we promote electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles, which can lead to zero pollution?”

Delhi’s air quality saw some improvement on Wednesday morning, with the air quality index (AQI) falling into the ‘severe’ category from ‘severe’ a day earlier, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.

AQI was 336 in the morning, which was 415 on Tuesday. Of the 40 monitoring stations in the national capital, 36 reported ‘very poor’ air quality, with Nehru Nagar recording the highest AQI of 392. Visibility was reduced in some parts of the city due to fog and mist in the morning.

In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management implemented all measures under GRAP Phase IV in Delhi-NCR, including emergency dust-control steps.