Image Source: X account @priyankagandhi
Delhi Air Quality Spurs Criticism from Priyanka Gandhi
Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has strongly criticised the air quality in Delhi, calling the situation “awful” and urging the central government and the Delhi state government to act immediately. She returned to Delhi after travelling to her constituency and described the city as being covered by a “grey shroud” of pollution.
Rising Pollution Levels
Ms Gandhi flagged an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of around 303 for Delhi, placing it firmly in the “very poor” category and close to the “severe” threshold. She emphasised that children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions are at risk if quick steps are not taken.
Political Appeal and Responsibility
In her message, Ms Gandhi appealed to Narendra Modi (Prime Minister) and Rekha Gupta (Chief Minister of Delhi) to cooperate beyond party lines and treat the air-pollution crisis as a public-health emergency rather than a political issue. She said it was time for “immediate intervention” and for both central and state agencies to coordinate actions.
The Bigger Picture
Delhi’s worsening air quality has become a recurring annual issue, especially during colder months when pollutants get trapped under stagnant weather conditions. Experts say crop-stubble burning in neighbouring states, vehicle emissions and construction dust all contribute to the smog. The government’s graded response mechanisms are often criticised as being too late or insufficient.
