Rahul Gandhi Calls for Air Pollution Debate in Lok Sabha
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday urged the Lok Sabha to hold a detailed discussion on the growing air pollution crisis, calling for cooperation instead of political blame. Speaking during proceedings, Gandhi said air pollution is a national health emergency that affects citizens across regions and party lines, and requires collective responsibility.
Government Signals Willingness to Discuss
The government responded by agreeing to hold a debate on air pollution in the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister indicated that the Centre is open to a structured discussion on the issue, acknowledging the seriousness of deteriorating air quality in several parts of the country. The exchange marked a rare moment of consensus between the opposition and the ruling side during the session.
Focus on Health and Policy Measures
Rahul Gandhi highlighted the impact of polluted air on children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses. He said Parliament must examine long-term solutions rather than engage in a blame game between the Centre and States. He also called for clear timelines, accountability mechanisms and city-specific action plans to tackle pollution more effectively.
Issue Gains Parliamentary Priority
Members across party lines acknowledged that air pollution has emerged as a major public health challenge, particularly during winter months when pollution levels spike in many cities. The agreement to debate the matter signals that air quality could become a key focus area in upcoming parliamentary discussions, with expectations of policy clarifications and fresh commitments from the government.
