Transport Sector's Role in Delhi's Pollution Highlighted by Union Minister

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has expressed deep concern over the severe pollution in Delhi, attributing nearly 40% of it to the transport sector. During a book launch, he shared his personal health struggles due to the city's air quality and called for a shift towards self-reliance in alternative fuels. As toxic smog blankets the capital, the Air Quality Index has reached alarming levels, prompting calls from opposition leaders for urgent government action. Gadkari's remarks highlight the pressing need for a national dialogue on pollution and sustainable practices.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 12:59 IST

Concerns Over Severe Pollution in Delhi

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has raised alarms regarding the alarming pollution levels in Delhi, acknowledging that the transportation sector contributes nearly 40% to this issue. Speaking at the launch of Uday Mahurkar's book, 'My Idea of Nation First - Redefining Unalloyed Nationalism,' Gadkari shared his personal experience of falling ill after just two days in the capital due to the polluted air.

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Gadkari emphasized that true nationalism today lies in reducing imports and boosting exports. He questioned why Delhi suffers so much from pollution, admitting, "As the transport minister, I acknowledge that 40% of pollution is caused by our sector." He also criticized the annual expenditure of ₹22 lakh crore on fossil fuel imports, urging for greater self-reliance in alternative and biofuels.

He posed a critical question regarding the rationale behind spending such vast sums on fossil fuel imports, stating, "What kind of nationalism is this? We are polluting our own country with this expenditure. Can't we achieve self-sufficiency in alternative and biofuels?" Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a thick layer of toxic smog enveloped parts of the national capital, with images from the ITO area showing a further decline in air quality.

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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has initiated all actions under Phase IV of the GRAP in the Delhi-NCR region. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) around the ITO area was recorded at 374, categorizing it as 'extremely poor.' The opposition has called for a discussion on pollution in Parliament, with leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi urging the government to take this issue seriously.