BJD MP Criticizes BJP Over Deteriorating Air Quality in Delhi-NCR
Biju Janata Dal MP Sulata Dev has sharply criticized the BJP for the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR, where the Air Quality Index has recently surpassed 400. During a Rajya Sabha session, she highlighted the severe health impacts of rising pollution levels, particularly on vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Dev called for urgent measures to address industrial pollution and stubble burning, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts between the central and state governments. As discussions on air quality intensify, recent data indicates a slight improvement in Delhi's air quality, with the AQI recorded at 299. This article delves into the pressing issue of air pollution and the political responses surrounding it.
| Dec 4, 2025, 14:16 IST
Concerns Over Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha member Sulata Dev targeted the BJP on Thursday regarding the worsening air quality across the country, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region. She stated that the party's slogan of surpassing 400 has now become a reality, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital and its surroundings has exceeded 400 in recent days. Dev emphasized that the rising pollution levels are having a severe impact on children, the elderly, and the general public.
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During the Rajya Sabha session, Dev remarked that the escalating air pollution is causing breathing difficulties among the populace, with respiratory diseases like asthma becoming increasingly common. She pointed out that while pollution levels are rising nationwide, the situation in Delhi-NCR has reached a crisis point. Citing the recent spike in AQI levels in the capital, she noted that many children, seniors, and ordinary citizens are suffering from lung diseases due to air pollution. 'Pollution is increasing daily, and the situation in Delhi-NCR is worsening. The slogan of surpassing 400 has been realized, as pollution levels have indeed reached that mark in Delhi,' she stated.
Dev also highlighted that millions across India, including thousands in Odisha, are affected by prolonged exposure to toxic air. She questioned the development model that involves deforestation and environmental degradation, asking if such development is truly desirable. The BJD MP urged Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan to intervene, stating, 'I request the Chairman to put an end to stubble burning. We need to consider how to manage industrial pollution and achieve clean air.'
Related News: Delhi Pollution: Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels
Dev stressed that ensuring clean, breathable air should be a national priority and called for coordinated efforts between the central and state governments to reverse the trend of rising pollution. A heated debate occurred in the upper house between the new Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan and opposition leaders, who demanded a discussion on the AQI. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday to review pollution control measures in the national capital. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), there was a notable improvement in Delhi's air quality on Thursday morning, with the overall AQI recorded at 299 at 8 AM.