Delhi Minister Admits Pollution Fix Needs More Time
A senior Delhi government minister on Tuesday said it was not possible for any government to fix Delhi’s air pollution problem within 10 months, even as he apologised to residents for the severe air quality situation in the capital. The remarks came amid renewed criticism over rising pollution levels and emergency measures being enforced across the city.
The minister acknowledged public frustration and said the government understands the health impact of prolonged exposure to poor air quality. However, he stressed that Delhi’s pollution problem is structural and accumulated over decades, involving multiple factors beyond the control of a single state government.
Multi-Factor Pollution Problem
The minister pointed out that air pollution in Delhi is driven by a combination of vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollution, crop residue burning in neighbouring states, and meteorological conditions. He said no administration can deliver a complete turnaround in such a short period without coordinated action from neighbouring states and the Centre.
He added that seasonal factors such as low wind speed and temperature inversion during winter significantly worsen pollution levels, limiting the immediate impact of local interventions.
Steps Taken by Delhi Government
Defending the government’s record, the minister said several measures have been implemented, including restrictions on construction activity, deployment of anti-smog guns, expansion of public transport, promotion of electric vehicles, and enforcement of emergency response plans during severe pollution episodes.
He said these steps are aimed at reducing peak pollution levels, even if they cannot eliminate the problem entirely in the short term.
Call for Cooperative Federalism
The minister urged for stronger cooperation between states and the Centre, stating that Delhi’s air pollution cannot be tackled in isolation. He said long-term solutions require regional planning, sustained policy continuity, and shared accountability.
The government said it remains committed to improving air quality and will continue implementing measures while pushing for broader coordination.
