Congress MP urges Parliament to prioritize rising air pollution crisis.
Amidst the ongoing political discourse in the capital, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has made a strong appeal to prioritize environmental health within the legislative agenda. On Wednesday, she urged the House to formally include the deteriorating atmospheric conditions affecting vast swathes of India in the Parliament Winter Session's list of business.
While interacting with the media, the Congress leader emphasized that while political issues are significant, matters directly impacting public health cannot be sidelined. "We must broaden the scope of our discussions to include critical issues like pollution. It is imperative that we debate these matters which are of utmost importance to the citizens," she stated.
Capital Chokes on Toxic Smog
Priyanka Gandhi’s call for a debate comes at a time when New Delhi is grappling with severe environmental distress. As winter temperatures have dropped, a suffocating blanket of smog has descended upon the National Capital Region.
According to the latest data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s breathability has taken a massive hit. On Wednesday morning, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 376, categorizing the air as 'Very Poor'. Landmarks synonymous with national pride, such as the Kartavya Path and the area surrounding India Gate, were obscured by a toxic haze, recording an alarming AQI of 356.
The crisis is not localized to the city center. Peripheral areas are suffering equally, with monitoring stations in Burari reporting a near-hazardous AQI of 396. Other neighborhoods like Dwarka (377), Alipur (366), and Aya Nagar (360) also remained in the red zone, highlighting the widespread nature of the emergency.
Opposition Raises the Alarm
The demand for a parliamentary discussion is part of a broader outcry by the Opposition regarding public safety. Senior Congress leader Sandeep Dixit recently issued a scathing critique of the administration's handling of the crisis. Addressing a press conference earlier this week, Dixit described the recurring pollution as "murder" of the city's residents.
He pointed out that the situation has progressively worsened over the last six to seven years, citing medical experts who have warned that chronic exposure to such foul air is significantly reducing life expectancy. With the Winter Session underway, Opposition MPs are united in their stance that the government must address the AQI crisis on the floor of the House immediately.
