Delhi pollution under spotlight: Minister Sirsa criticises AAP, highlights government efforts

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has accused opposition parties of looting and mismanaging the city during their tenure over the past decade. Sirsa stated that the opposition is expressing jealousy as the city experiences improvements under the current administration.

"They were in power for 10 years. In those 10 years, they destroyed Delhi. They ruined it, looted it, and crushed it. Now that they see Delhi improving, it is natural they feel a stomach ache," Sirsa said.

The Minister outlined several measures undertaken by the Delhi government over the past seven months. He reported that approximately 2.5 million metric tonnes of waste have been removed from the national capital. In addition, out of 15,000 industries in resettlement colonies that had previously not been subjected to pollution control norms, 6,000 industries have now been brought into compliance. Sirsa also noted that large-scale work is underway to stop untreated sewage from entering the Yamuna River, and several previously unmonitored sewage treatment plants (STPs) have been reset.

Despite a 21 per cent increase in construction activity and an 8 per cent rise in new vehicle registrations, Sirsa highlighted that pollution levels have remained stable. He stated that previously imposed bans on older vehicles have been revised to ensure fairness while maintaining environmental goals. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly rose only from 345 to 351, reflecting the ongoing effectiveness of anti-pollution measures.

Addressing regional factors, Sirsa accused the AAP-led Punjab government of pressuring farmers to burn stubble, contributing to a surge in pollution and allegedly aiming to target the Delhi government politically. He observed that stubble-burning incidents in Punjab increased sharply over the past four days and described this as "no coincidence."

The Minister also commented on cultural issues, condemning remarks made by AAP leaders regarding Diwali celebrations. Sirsa stated, "Arvind Kejriwal and his team are trying to politicise a sacred festival. Diwali is not the property of any political party; it is the festival of India's soul. Calling Diwali a 'sin' is an insult to our faith and culture."

Sirsa emphasized that these efforts demonstrate that when policy and intent are aligned, development and environmental protection can advance simultaneously.