Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Political Blame Game Intensifies

New Delhi: The air quality crisis in the Indian capital of Delhi has escalated into a political dispute, with Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena attributing the city's ongoing pollution issues to the previous administration led by Arvind Kejriwal. In a detailed 15-page letter addressed to the former Chief Minister, Saxena stated that "11 years of neglect and criminal inaction" by Kejriwal's government were responsible for the current emergency air situation.

Despite Saxena's comments, it is important to note that Delhi is currently governed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Lieutenant Governor's correspondence has drawn attention amid persistent reports of severe air pollution affecting the region, especially during winter months.

In response to Saxena's letter, Anurag Dhandha, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national media in-charge, expressed strong criticism. Dhandha remarked, "Has the LG, who left Delhi amidst all the pollution to go to Gujarat for his own pleasure, returned? The pollution affecting people's lungs in Delhi has affected the LG's brain, and he's lost his memory. He doesn't remember that Arvind Kejriwal isn't the Chief Minister anymore, but Rekha Gupta is. If he wanted to ask something about the pollution, he should have asked her."

Dhandha also suggested that Saxena's public appearances were primarily for media attention, stating, "LG sir is also a 'CameraG'. He's very fond of being on camera... But nobody pays him any attention these days."

During his tenure, Arvind Kejriwal faced similar air quality challenges and had made promises to combat pollution aggressively. However, following a significant electoral defeat in February 2025, the AAP lost control of the Delhi government to the BJP, marking a shift after 26 years of AAP governance in the capital.

As the political rhetoric continues, the AAP is currently left with governance only in Punjab under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, following its loss in Delhi.

In another development, the AAP has accused the Delhi government of failing to enforce anti-pollution measures effectively. Allegations surfaced regarding a brick-manufacturing unit allegedly operating within the Kondli Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), which the AAP claims is emitting smoke despite existing restrictions.

Saurabh Bharadwaj, AAP’s Delhi state president, shared a video on the social media platform X, claiming it showed thick smoke emanating from the purported brick plant. He stated, "The visuals expose what I term the government’s hollow claims of strict enforcement under GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan)."

Bharadwaj reported that the smoke from the sewage treatment plant impacts surrounding areas, including Mayur Vihar Phase-3 and Kondli, complicating residents' health conditions. He has since demanded action from the National Green Tribunal, the Central Pollution Control Board, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, urging them to impose fines and take necessary measures against the alleged violations.

In rebuttal, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva dismissed the AAP's allegations as misleading and politically charged. He clarified that the facility in question was a modern sludge treatment unit that operates within permitted guidelines even during high pollution periods. Sachdeva noted that Saurabh Bharadwaj had inaugurated the Kondli STP in 2023, categorising it as an essential facility.

"Modern STPs and sludge units emit only steam, which may resemble smoke but is not," Sachdeva explained. He accused AAP leaders of misrepresenting facts to undermine the BJP-led government’s credibility.

The ongoing exchanges between the AAP and the BJP highlight the deepening political divisions in Delhi as the city grapples with its air quality crisis—a situation that continues to affect millions of residents. As winter approaches, the urgency for effective pollution control measures remains paramount, with citizens calling for accountability from their leaders.