Delhi’s Diwali Smog Turns Political: AAP, BJP Trade Blame as Air Quality Dips
Delhi's air quality worsens as political parties bicker over solutions.
As Delhi braces for its annual battle with smog ahead of Diwali, a fierce political showdown has erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the city's air quality management and firecracker regulations. With pollution levels already creeping into dangerous territory, both parties are trading barbs, accusing each other of inaction and mismanagement while Delhiites choke on worsening air.
AAP leader Gopal Rai launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Delhi government, slamming its Winter Action Plan as a hollow promise that fails to address the looming crisis. Rai pointed to the government’s last-minute approach to regulating green firecrackers, noting that applications for licensing sellers were only invited two days before Diwali. "This is a recipe for disaster," Rai warned. "Toxic crackers will flood the market, and Delhi’s residents will pay the price with their health." He criticized the lack of a streamlined, single-window system for licensing, arguing that the delay ensures ineffective regulation and a post-Diwali pollution spike. "The government’s plan exists only on paper. They’ll just hide behind GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) when the air turns toxic," Rai added, accusing the BJP of prioritizing optics over action.
The BJP, however, was quick to hit back, dismissing AAP’s allegations as a desperate attempt to mislead the public. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva accused AAP of sowing confusion and undermining the Supreme Court’s ruling that permits the use of green firecrackers. "AAP is playing political games to get the court’s decision revoked," Sachdeva claimed. He defended the government’s efforts, asserting that Delhi’s air quality has improved compared to previous years under AAP’s rule. "The weather is clear, and pollution levels are under control. This Diwali, we’ll balance culture and environment," he said, touting the effectiveness of the BJP’s measures. Sachdeva also accused AAP of hypocrisy, alleging that during their tenure, they banned even green firecrackers and misled the judiciary with inaccurate data.
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Delhi’s air quality, meanwhile, paints a grim picture. As of 10 pm Friday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 255, firmly in the "poor" category, with experts warning of further deterioration as Diwali approaches. The government’s 25-point Winter Action Plan, coordinated by over 30 agencies, is in full swing, with real-time enforcement dashboards monitoring progress. Measures include 86 mechanized road sweepers, 300 water sprinklers, and 362 anti-smog guns deployed across the city, with plans to procure 70 additional sweepers. Enforcement teams are also active, with 578 units inspecting vehicles for emissions, 443 patrols monitoring open burning, and 953 Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres tracking vehicle emissions in real time. Despite these efforts, critics argue that the scale of the problem demands more robust and timely action.
The political slugfest comes at a critical time for Delhi, where winter months often see air quality plummet to hazardous levels due to firecrackers, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions. Residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the blame game, demanding concrete solutions over political rhetoric.
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