Delhi's Air Quality Plummets Post-Diwali: AAP Criticizes Government's Inaction

Following Diwali celebrations, Delhi AAP President Bharadwaj criticizes the government's failure to control post-festival pollution, questioning the absence of promised artificial rain. Despite air quality deterioration reaching 'Very Poor' and 'Severe' levels, residents express frustration over ongoing pollution and personal accountability. Meanwhile, GRAP Stage 2 has been enacted.

Determined to address the worsening air quality in Delhi, AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj launched a pointed critique of the government on Tuesday, blaming it for neglect after Diwali celebrations and questioning its failure to deliver on artificial rain promises. As New Delhi awoke under a thick smog blanket, air quality plunged into the 'Very Poor' category, with nearly all monitoring stations reporting 'Red Zone' conditions.

Bharadwaj expressed doubt regarding the government's commitment to tackling pollution, suggesting a collusion with private hospitals. 'The government lies. They promised post-Diwali artificial rain to alleviate pollution, yet nothing happened,' he stated to ANI. Delhi's residents continue to suffer from respiratory issues, blaming persistent pollutive practices alongside poor government intervention.

Locals echoed Bharadwaj's concerns, attributing the persistent degradation of air quality to both political mismanagement and personal responsibility. 'Pollution is not new; it's been building up over years,' commented Sagar, a Delhi resident, encouraging individuals to reconsider their role in pollution escalation. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the city's Air Quality Index was a troubling 359 as of 10 am.

(With inputs from agencies.)