Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar acting like Dhritraashtra

Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar acting like Dhritraashtra; unable and unwilling to see the reality – Raghav Chadha

PM is in Thailand, Union Health Minister in Chennai and Union Environment Minister giving out song recommendations: this is the level of seriousness being shown by Union Government on Delhi Air Pollution crisis – Raghav Chadha

As per the CPCB data, Varanasi is the most polluted city in the country as per AQI levels. Varanasi is represented by our Hon’ble PM in the Lok Sabha – Raghav Chadha

Addressing a press conference today, Raghav Chadha quoted reports and statements of govt bodies to establish that stubble is the principal and most significant reason for Delhi’s air pollution. He quoted figures published by SAFAR which state that contribution of stubble burning in neighbouring states in Delhi’s pollution is at 46%. Quoting IIPM and related institution reports, he said that contribution of stubble burning towards pollution in Delhi was as high as 70%. He also quoted the affidavit submitted by Union Government to the Supreme Court which states that stubble burning was a major factor in causing air pollution in the northern India belt. 

He said, “even Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amrinder has acknowledged the role of stubble burning in deteriorating air quality in Delhi – in his letter to the Prime Minister. ” He insisted that various organisation and constitutional office bearers have admitted that stubble burning is the prime cause of smog in Delhi, yet Union Environment Minister is missing in action.

He said “Prakash Javadekar ji is behaving like Dhritrshtra who is unable to see what is going on. It is because of Hon’ble Environment Ministers Dhritraashtra like tendencies that the entire North India is undergoing this health emergency. He has failed to take any action to provide respite to people of Delhi.”

He further added, “our Prime Minister is in Thailand, Union Health Minister in Chennai and Union Environment Minister is giving out song recommendations on Twitter; this is the level of seriousness being shown by union government on Delhi air Pollution crisis. The criminal negligence, apathy and contempt of the Centre on this matter towards the people of Delhi is for everyone to see.”

To further illustrate the role of stubble burning in the sudden spike in pollution, he put forth two pictures of the same spot dates 29th September, 2019 and 1st November 2019 which clearly establish the marked change in the levels of air pollution in Delhi.

He also quoted CPCB data which put Varanasi as the most polluted city in the country as per AQI levels. Of the ten most polluted cities in the country, six are from Uttar Pradesh and four from Haryana. He said “As per the CPCB data, an arm of the Union Govt, Varanasi is the most air polluted city in the country as per AQI levels. Varanasi also happens to be represented by our Hon’ble PM in the Lok Sabha”

In concluding remarks he said, “Air pollution is not a Delhi specific issue but rather a Northern India issue and requires a North India solution. The Union government must recognise the emergency and call for a meeting with Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. A mutli state meeting is of utmost importance at the moment. Delhi promises full cooperation and action as may be decided upon at such a meeting.”