Delhi Assembly to Address Pollution Issues in Upcoming Winter Session
Discussion on Pollution in Delhi Assembly
The upcoming winter session of the Delhi Assembly will focus on pollution, with the government planning to present proposals. This four-day session is scheduled from January 5 to 8. Delhi's Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra announced that under the Chief Minister's leadership, the council of ministers has decided to hold an extensive discussion on pollution in the Assembly, and the government will also introduce proposals related to pollution and the environment. Additionally, reports from the CAG regarding the 'Sheesh Mahal' (the residence of former CM Arvind Kejriwal), the Delhi Water Board, and the universities of Delhi will be presented in the Assembly.
Mishra explained that the discussion will cover the current state of pollution in Delhi, its causes, and the status of actions taken based on affidavits submitted by previous governments in the Supreme Court. Members will also review the situation over the past 20 years along with scientific reports. There will be an open discussion on the shortcomings related to pollution and future action plans, allowing all parties to express their views. He urged opposition members to bring records of the steps taken by their governments over the last 10-12 years to reduce pollution.
Mishra emphasized that decisions on further actions to reduce pollution will be made unanimously in the Assembly. He also mentioned that a CAG report from the previous government, which was previously withheld by the former Chief Minister, will be presented.
AAP to Hold BJP Accountable for 10 Months in Office
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) plans to scrutinize the BJP government's performance over the past 10 months during the winter session of the Delhi Assembly. Chief Whip of the AAP legislative party, Sanjeev Jha, stated that the BJP government has failed to deliver on promises, including the 2,500 rupees for women, thereby contradicting their own Prime Minister. In these ten months, the BJP has not improved Delhi's air quality or reduced pollution in the Yamuna River.
Jha pointed out that during the Chhath festival, the BJP encouraged people to bathe in the Yamuna, yet now the Environment Minister Manjinder Singh is claiming that the water is not safe for bathing. He urged the BJP government to clarify what actions they have taken for the benefit of the people of Delhi in these ten months, accusing them of making false promises in their manifesto.
Regarding air pollution, Jha questioned the Environment Minister about the severe pollution levels in Delhi, noting that this December has been the most polluted in the last decade, despite the absence of stubble burning. He affirmed that the Assembly session will hold the government accountable for its actions over the past ten months.
BJP Praises Its 10-Month Tenure
The Delhi BJP has commended the work of the 10-month government led by Rekha Gupta. On Tuesday, BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor stated that the Gupta government has initiated new development in Delhi, which had been stagnant for years. He acknowledged the pollution issue inherited from the Arvind Kejriwal administration but highlighted the visible efforts of the BJP government in other areas, while also admitting that much work remains to be done regarding pollution.
Kapoor listed the achievements of the government, including the addition of 460 electric buses and 500 buses under the 'Devi' scheme to improve public transport. Over 50,000 potholes have been filled on Delhi roads, and the Ayushman Aarogya Mandir has been launched with all necessary testing facilities, along with the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Recently, 45 Atal Canteens have been established to provide hope to the poor and needy.