Rahul Gandhi Criticizes PM Modi Over Delhi's Toxic Air Choking India's Children

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on Delhi's worsening air pollution crisis, describing it as a "health emergency" where India's children are choking on toxic air. In a post on X, Gandhi shared a video of his meeting with affected mothers at his residence, highlighting their exhaustion, fear, and anger over children breathing hazardous smog daily. He demanded an immediate, detailed Parliament debate and a strict, enforceable action plan to address the issue with urgency and accountability.​

Delhi's air quality has remained in the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories for over 15 days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting hazardous levels like 362 on November 27 and peaks of 559 earlier in the week. Forecasts from the Air Quality Early Warning System predict continued 'very poor' conditions through the coming week due to low wind speeds and poor ventilation indices below 6000 m²/s. PM2.5 levels exceed WHO limits by over 22 times, equivalent to smoking multiple cigarettes daily and triggering respiratory inflammation, reduced lung function, and aggravated conditions in children, asthmatics, and cardiac patients.​

Gandhi questioned the Modi government's lack of response, asserting that children deserve clean air rather than excuses. Doctors emphasize preventive screenings for pollution-linked health risks, especially among vulnerable groups, as the toxic haze persists amid winter chill. Pollution hotspots like Mundka (442), Bawana (429), and Jahangirpuri (428) recorded severe AQI, with NCR cities like Ghaziabad (536) and Noida (529) similarly affected.​

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The Commission for Air Quality Management has tightened the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), shifting measures like staggered timings and work-from-home to earlier 'poor' AQI stages following Supreme Court observations. Despite this, Gandhi insists on stronger national accountability, noting transport emissions (16.3%) and neighboring stubble burning as key contributors.​

This public call underscores growing political pressure on air pollution, a recurring winter crisis impacting millions, with calls for comprehensive reforms beyond temporary measures to ensure long-term clean air for future generations.​

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