Delhi Government Tackles Pollution and Civic Issues Left by AAP
Addressing Civic Challenges in Delhi
On Thursday, Delhi Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma stated that the current government, led by the BJP, is actively addressing the pollution and civic issues left unresolved by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration under Arvind Kejriwal. He emphasized that these challenges did not arise overnight but are the result of 11 years of neglect by the AAP.
During a press conference in Delhi, Verma outlined several environmental and civic initiatives that he believes should have been completed over the past decade. These include the removal of garbage piles, repairs of sidewalks and parks, electronic waste management, cleaning of the Yamuna River, maintenance of drains, sewage treatment plants, water purification facilities, plastic waste management, road cleaning, and the implementation of an electric vehicle policy.
Unfulfilled Promises and Ongoing Efforts
Verma remarked that all these tasks should have been accomplished within 11 years. He noted that if even half of the work had been done, only the remaining tasks would need attention. However, he pointed out that not a single project was completed during that time. Before the current administration took office on February 20, 2025, less than five percent of these projects had been implemented.
He claimed that since the very next day after taking office, the Chief Minister, ministers, and officials have been working on the ground to resolve civic issues.
Pre-Monsoon Cleanup and Festival Preparations
Verma further mentioned that major drains were cleaned before the monsoon, resulting in the removal of nearly 2 million metric tons of waste, which helped prevent flooding in sensitive areas like Minto Bridge. He also highlighted that the government ensured smooth arrangements during festivals such as Diwali, Chhath Puja, and Durga Puja, allowing residents to celebrate without interruptions.
Criticism of Previous Administration
Accusing the former Delhi government led by Arvind Kejriwal, Verma stated that the pollution issue is not a problem that emerged in just one year. He noted that pollution in Delhi has been escalating for years. If Kejriwal had done even a little work, only the remaining tasks would have needed to be completed. Unfortunately, he misled and deceived the people of Delhi, leaving a heavy burden of unfinished work.
Verma criticized the previous administration for distracting the public with subsidies and theatrics while neglecting essential work. He asserted that real efforts have only been underway for the past nine months. Responding to criticism from AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, Verma stated that the damaged roads and broken drains are not a result of the last nine months but rather the outcome of years of poor planning.