Mon Oct 21 02:02:00 UTC 2024: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticized the governments of neighboring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for their insufficient efforts to control rising air pollution, attributing the worsening air quality index (AQI) in Delhi to cross-boundary pollution. During a press conference with former minister Satyendar Jain, she pointed out that while stubble burning incidents in Punjab have significantly decreased, they have increased in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Key points include:

– **Stubble Burning Statistics**: Instances of stubble burning in Punjab fell from approximately 71,300 in 2021 to about 36,600 in 2023. In contrast, Haryana saw a 23% increase from 341 to 417 incidents, and Uttar Pradesh experienced a 70% rise from 244 to 417 incidents.

– **Political Blame**: Atishi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of playing “dirty politics” with air quality issues, suggesting negligence regarding local pollution sources in BJP-ruled states.

– **Local Pollution Sources**: Atishi identified buses, brick kilns, and thermal power plants in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as significant pollution contributors, mentioning that over 3,800 brick kilns are operational in these regions without proper regulation.

– **Anand Vihar Inspection**: The Delhi government has taken measures to combat pollution, such as deploying anti-smog guns, repairing roads, and removing encroachments in Anand Vihar, which has recorded severe pollution levels.

– **Current Air Quality**: Delhi’s AQI has been categorized as “poor,” with Anand Vihar exceeding 400, indicating a “severe” level of pollution.

– **BJP Response**: Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva rejected Atishi’s claims, arguing that the AAP government had shifted blame from Punjab to nearby states.

Atishi concluded by expressing hope for collaboration with neighboring states to impose stricter anti-pollution measures.

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