'National shame': L-G to Kejriwal after Delhi gets 'most polluted city' tag

New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over Delhi getting the tag of the most polluted capital city in the world, calling it a matter of 'national shame' and a health emergency like situation warranting serious pondering.

Saxena also sought to corner the Kejriwal government on the issue of pollution, saying the World Air Quality Report 2023 paints a 'grim' picture.

"This dubious distinction is a matter of national shame and collective concern. With Delhi being the second most polluted Capital in the world in 2022 and the most polluted Capital city in the world in 2021, I am sure that this report card of nine years of your government is not one which you would be proud of. The much talked about Delhi model is shrouded in a haze of smog," the LG wrote.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dubbed the language of LG's letter 'rude, curt and bordering on abusive'.

"We strongly condemn the use of such a despicable language by the LG," the AAP said in a statement.

Saxena said that he has flagged the issue of air pollution in last two years by writing to the chief ministers, including him, but to no avail.

"I am underlining this to deter you from getting into a political blame game, as has been your wont, whenever faced with tough questions,' he said in his letter.

The World Air Quality Report 2023 raises a red flag over the abnormally high PM 2.5 levels, two fifth of which is attributable to vehicular emissions. There are other factors like road dust, open burning etc. which also contribute to high particulate matter in the air, the LG said.

"There are regular reports of increased admissions in city hospitals with children and the elderly suffering the most from respiratory ailments. This state-of-affairs, year after year, is so alarming that it is nothing short of a public health emergency, apart from contravening the very basic natural and fundamental right to life, of the people of Delhi," he stated.

Pointing to hazardous air quality in the city during winters, Saxena further said 'any self-respecting leader' would have owned up the responsibility for the same and would have taken concrete steps to address this concern by taking definitive steps and bold measures.

"Sadly, you choose to do neither and make it an exercise of polemics, which ultimately turns into a political slugfest, with one authority blaming the other, even as citizens suffer silently," he charged.

Saxena cited global examples of political leaders addressing the air pollution issues, including the great smog of London and grey skies of Beijing, through determined leadership.

He said no problem is insurmountable if efforts are made with sincerity, commitment and a lot of hard work.

The LG underlined that Delhi houses foreign missions and diplomats live in the city whom he expected to be highlighting the air pollution problem in their dispatches to home countries.

"The international community would be perplexed with the duality of India which is rising on the global stage, while its National Capital languishes with the worst air quality in the world," he said.

Saxena said the very least which people expect from their elected government is breathable air and good quality potable water. "I hope you will find some time in your busy schedule of electioneering to ponder over this grave issue with the seriousness that it deserves. This is a matter which cannot be allowed to pass with frivolity," he said to Kejriwal.

The LG also pointed to Yamuna pollution, saying it was distressing to see that the gravity of the situation was 'ignored' by the chief minister.

Saxena said he found it 'bewildering' that when he raised an issue of such nature, the minister in charge passed it on to the chief secretary directing him to fix the problems piled up over the years because of 'inaction' of the Delhi government within a week.

Saxena claimed that he was writing the letter as a 'conscience keeper' and underscored that if the chief minister does not find any solutions, he will be 'constitutionally obliged' to render his duties towards the people of Delhi and will not stand as a silent spectator.

The Delhi government systematically confronts the issue head-on, displaying the diligence of a responsible administration, said the ruling party in a statement.

"We have installed an AQI monitor every 40 kilometers, such a robust monitoring mechanism is nowhere else in the country. This comprehensive level of monitoring enables us to accurately gauge pollution levels, a capability lacking in other states," it said.

The ruling party said the gravity of issue of air pollution was 'solemnly' acknowledged. "Our unwavering commitment to its resolution is evident through our tireless efforts. With meticulous planning and execution, all 1,800 industries in Delhi have seamlessly transitioned to PNG fuels, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards environmental sustainability. Furthermore, our city boasts its highest green cover to date, standing at 23.6 percent," the AAP said.

The Delhi government has diligently undertaken over 10 significant Yamuna rejuvenation projects, expending a total of Rs 1,080 crores, the party said.

"The LG in his letter says that he will take over the functioning of elected govt rather than remaining a mute spectator. Such a statement shows that LG does not have the correct knowledge of our Constitution," the AAP said.

There is clear division of powers and responsibilities. Howsoever anguished anyone might feel about the functioning of another organ, he does not have the right to encroach upon its domain, the party added.