NEW DELHI, Dec 4: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday urged the government to take urgent and effective measures to tackle rising air pollution in the national capital. Speaking in Parliament, she expressed concern over the deteriorating air quality and its impact on public health, particularly children and the elderly.
Sonia Gandhi said that Delhi has been witnessing hazardous levels of pollution for several weeks, with smog and toxic air affecting daily life. She emphasised that the situation has become a public health emergency and requires immediate intervention from both the Centre and the state government.
“The air quality in Delhi has reached alarming levels. It is not just an environmental issue but a serious health crisis. The government must act decisively to protect citizens from the harmful effects of pollution,” she stated, calling for coordinated efforts to reduce emissions and enforce strict pollution control measures.
She highlighted that vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust and stubble burning in neighbouring states are major contributors to the worsening air quality. Gandhi urged authorities to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, promote cleaner technologies and ensure accountability in implementing pollution control norms.
Opposition members supported her demand, stressing that the government should prioritise public health over political considerations. Several MPs pointed out that the crisis has persisted year after year without adequate long-term solutions, and called for a comprehensive national plan to combat air pollution.
The issue of air pollution has dominated discussions in Parliament this week, with lawmakers across party lines acknowledging the urgent need for action. Sonia Gandhi’s intervention added weight to the debate, reinforcing the demand for immediate steps to safeguard the health and well-being of citizens in the capital and beyond.
