Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena slams Arvind Kejriwal after Delhi gets ‘most polluted city’ tag

LG VK Saxena said the minimum that people can expect from an elected government is to breathe air.

New Delhi:

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over Delhi being named the most polluted capital in the world, saying it was a “national disgrace” and a health emergency-like issue that deserves serious consideration.

Mr Saxena also sought to press the Kejriwal government on the issue of pollution, saying the World Air Quality Report 2023 painted a “grim” picture.

“This dubious distinction is a matter of national disgrace and collective concern. Delhi will become the second most polluted capital in the world in 2022 and the most polluted capital in the world in 2021. I am convinced that this nine-year report Transcript Your government is not one you are proud of. The much talked about Delhi model is shrouded in a haze,” LG wrote.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called the language of LG’s letter “rude, brief and bordering on abusive”.

“We strongly condemn LG’s use of such despicable language,” AAP said in a statement.

Saxena said he had written to the chief minister, including himself, over the past two years to point out the air pollution issue, but to no avail.

“I emphasize this to prevent you from falling into the political blame game, as you are accustomed to when faced with difficult issues,” he said in the letter.

The World Air Quality Report 2023 raises red flags about unusually high PM 2.5 levels, two-fifths of which are caused by vehicle emissions. LG said other factors such as road dust and open burning also contribute to higher levels of particulate matter in the air.

“It is frequently reported that children and the elderly are admitted to urban hospitals with the most serious respiratory illnesses. This is alarming, year after year, and nothing short of a public health emergency. “It is a violation of the most basic natural and fundamental right to life of the people of Delhi,” he said.

Speaking on the city’s poor winter air quality, Mr Saxena further said “any self-respecting leader” would take the same responsibility and take concrete steps to address it by taking clear steps and bold measures One question.

“Sadly, you have chosen to do neither, instead turning this into an argument and ultimately a political battle, with one authority blaming another while citizens suffer in silence,” he charged.

Mr Saxena cited examples of global political leaders tackling air pollution through determined leadership, including London’s Great Smog and Beijing’s gray skies.

He said that as long as there is sincerity, determination and hard work, there is no problem that cannot be solved.

LG stressed that Delhi is where foreign missions and diplomats live and he wanted them to highlight the issue of air pollution in their dispatches to their countries.

“The international community will be confused by the duality of India’s rise on the global stage while its national capital is beset by some of the worst air quality in the world,” he said.

Mr. Saxena said the minimum that people can expect from an elected government is breathable air and quality drinking water.

He told Mr Kejriwal: “I hope you will take some time out of your busy campaign schedule to think about this serious issue with the seriousness it deserves. This is one that cannot be ignored lightly.”

LG also raised the issue of pollution in Yamuna, saying it was distressing that the chief minister had “ignored” the seriousness of the situation.

Saxena said he was “confused” that when he raised an issue of this nature, the minister-in-charge referred it to the chief secretary, directing him to resolve the issues that had piled up over the years due to “inaction” by the Delhi government. Within a week.

Saxena claimed that he had written the letter as a “keeper of conscience” and stressed that if the chief minister could not find any solution, he would be “constitutionally bound” to discharge his duties to the people of Delhi and would not As a silent spectator.

The ruling party said in a statement that the Delhi government has systematically addressed the issue head-on, demonstrating the diligence of a responsible government.

“With air quality monitors installed every 40 kilometers, we have such a robust monitoring mechanism that is not available anywhere else in the country. This comprehensive level of monitoring allows us to accurately measure pollution levels, a capability that other states lack, “it says.

The ruling party said it “solemnly” acknowledged the seriousness of the air pollution problem.

“Through our tireless efforts, we are unwavering in our commitment to address this issue. Through careful planning and execution, all 1,800 industries in Delhi have seamlessly transitioned to PNG fuels, marking a step towards environmental An important milestone in our sustainability journey. Additionally, our city has the highest green coverage to date at 23.6%,” the AAP said.

The party said that the Delhi government has worked hard on more than 10 important Yamuna rejuvenation projects at a total cost of Rs 1,080 crore.

“LG stated in the letter that he will take over the running of the elected government rather than continue to be a silent spectator. Such a statement shows that LG does not have a correct understanding of our constitution,” the Australian Associated Press said.

There is a clear demarcation of authority and responsibility. The party added that no matter how distressed anyone feels about the functioning of another agency, he has no right to infringe on its jurisdiction.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)