'It's a National Emergency,' Delhi CM blames Center for pollution

Delhi CM remarked, 'Punjab saw an 80-85% drop in stubble burning cases. Conversely, these incidents have surged in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, leading to worsened AQIs in cities like Bhopal and Indore. Rising AQIs in Bikaner, Jaipur, Patna, and Bulandshahr - is the Aam Aadmi Party accountable?'
Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi (File Photo)

Source: aajtak

In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi characterized the pollution crisis as a 'National Emergency'. She emphasized the rise of stubble burning in BJP-ruled states while noting a decline in Punjab, citing data from the central government. Atishi criticized the central government for its handling of rising pollution levels, questioning, 'What actions has the Center taken on this matter?'

Atishi stated, 'In Madhya Pradesh, stubble is being burned at 700 locations. This is a national emergency. Just as we faced a national medical emergency during COVID, present-day North India is grappling with similar challenges. The central government needs to explain what measures they have undertaken in the past five years to reduce stubble burning incidents.'

'Madhya Pradesh leads in stubble burning incidents'

The Delhi CM mentioned, 'Punjab has seen an 80-85% reduction in stubble burning incidents. However, other states like Uttar Pradesh have observed an increase. Madhya Pradesh currently holds the record for the highest stubble burning occurrences in the nation. Cities like Bhopal and Indore have worsened AQI levels. Rising AQIs in Bikaner, Jaipur, Patna, and Bulandshahr prompt the question: Is the Aam Aadmi Party responsible?'

'The central government is indifferent to pollution issues'

Atishi voiced, 'We must accept this as a national emergency. During the COVID pandemic, states and the Center took proactive measures. Nowadays, stubble burning is creating a national medical emergency.' She remarked, 'The central government shows indifference to pollution. Stubble burning incidents are rising in BJP-ruled states. Punjab's government demonstrated that with determination, these occurrences can be minimized.'

'Has PM Modi called for an emergency meeting?'

Criticizing the central government, the Delhi CM questioned, 'Has the Prime Minister called an emergency meeting about pollution? Has any urgent action been undertaken? In the last five years, has a single step been taken in any state?'

Atishi commented, 'We can only look at the numbers. Stubble doesn't burn in Delhi. It burns across different parts of the country, in various states. Statistics reveal a reduction in stubble burning wherever the Aam Aadmi Party governs, while incidents surge in BJP-ruled regions. If the central government chooses to disregard these statistics, will they not take any action?'

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