Congress Demands Urgent Discussion on Severe Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR
In a pressing move, Congress leaders have called for an urgent discussion in Parliament regarding the alarming air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, which have reached a hazardous AQI of 461. They are advocating for the declaration of a national public health emergency, citing the severe impact on vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. The MPs attribute the crisis to administrative failures and are urging immediate government action to address the deteriorating air quality. This situation has raised significant health concerns, prompting calls for swift legislative intervention.
| Dec 16, 2025, 16:28 IST
Call for Immediate Action on Air Quality Crisis
On Tuesday, several Congress leaders presented a motion in Parliament demanding an urgent discussion regarding the 'serious' air pollution affecting Delhi-NCR. Congress MP Manickam Tagore introduced a motion in the Lok Sabha, requesting the declaration of a national public health emergency due to air pollution. In his proposal, Tagore highlighted the alarming average air quality index (AQI) of 461 recorded in Delhi over the past 24 hours, categorizing it as 'severe plus' and marking the highest level this season.
In his motion addressed to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General, Tagore stated, "I respectfully request you to consider accepting the motion under Rule 56 of the Lok Sabha's operational and procedural rules. This proposal pertains to an extremely important and urgent public issue, namely the severe decline in air quality in Delhi-NCR and the resulting public health emergency."
Vijay Kumar, also known as Vijay Vasant, the MP from Kanyakumari, has similarly called for an immediate discussion in Parliament regarding the critical air pollution crisis. The AQI has reached 461, placing it in the 'severe plus' category, rendering the air unsafe for breathing. He noted that the region is facing a public health emergency, with children, senior citizens, and individuals with serious illnesses falling ill, leading to a rapid increase in respiratory cases in hospitals.
Referencing findings from the Air Quality Management Commission, MP Vasant attributed this crisis to administrative failures rather than natural causes, citing poor implementation of measures to control dust, waste, and open burning. He described this situation as a violation of the right to life under Article 21 and urged the House to address this issue immediately. He also called on the government to declare a national health emergency in the Delhi-NCR region.