Punjab CM Criticizes Delhi's Air Pollution Blame Game

Punjab's Chief Minister Addresses Air Quality Concerns

On Tuesday, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, initiated a discussion regarding the air pollution in Delhi, attributing the issue to both local and neighboring states. He argued that the smoke originating from Punjab does not reach Delhi, pointing fingers at Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and the pollution generated within Delhi itself. During a press conference, he criticized the BJP government for blaming Punjab's emissions for the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, asserting that the smoke from Punjab does not travel to Delhi.

Mann emphasized that the harvesting of paddy in Punjab is not the culprit, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi had already soared to 400 before the harvesting season began. He noted that 99% of the rice produced in Punjab is exported, and it is not a staple food for the local population. He further stated that for smoke to travel from Punjab to Delhi, winds would need to blow at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour from north to south for ten days, which is highly unlikely. He humorously remarked that the smoke stops at Connaught Place, questioning the absurdity of the situation.

He pointed out that Delhi's neighboring states, including Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, contribute to the pollution, and that the AQI in Delhi had already reached 400 before the paddy harvesting commenced. Mann reiterated that the rice harvested in Punjab is primarily sent across the country and is not a mainstay for the people of Punjab. Meanwhile, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the national capital remained enveloped in a thick layer of toxic smog on Tuesday morning. The average AQI recorded at 7 AM was 341, categorizing it as 'very poor'. The air quality showed no significant improvement compared to Monday morning, when it was recorded at 351, also in the 'very poor' category.

The CPCB reported that the AQI in Dhaula Kuan was recorded at 365, placing it in the 'very poor' category, while Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 381, also in the same category. The Ghazipur area was also shrouded in smog, with an AQI reaching 345, categorized as 'very poor'. Additionally, Akshardham recorded an AQI of 381, falling under the same classification. According to CPCB standards, an AQI of 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.