Delhi's Air Quality Spirals as Blame Game Intensifies

Delhi Environment Minister blames AAP-led Punjab government for worsening air quality, accusing them of forcing farmers to burn crop residue despite central incentives. The allegations come amid a hazardous spike in Delhi's AQI post-Diwali, as inter-state pollution contributions and political tussle take center stage.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has intensified political tensions by holding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government responsible for the capital's deteriorating air quality. Sirsa accused the Punjab administration of coercing farmers into burning crop stubble, despite existing central incentives to prevent this practice.

These allegations emerged as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) readings soared past hazardous levels, with figures surpassing 350 post-Diwali, marked as 'very poor.' Peaks of up to 429 were observed in certain localities. Sirsa criticized the AAP for a perceived 'role reversal,' highlighting how former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had previously accused Punjab of contributing to Delhi's pollution.

While emphasizing that pollution sources aren't limited to Punjab, Sirsa acknowledged Haryana and Uttar Pradesh's roles. He credited central government initiatives for providing alternatives to burning with funding for stubble-processing factories. With the CAQM enforcing Stage 2 of the GRAP, monitoring efforts are in focus to stabilize the AQI, notably troubled by inter-state pollution dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)