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‘When I arrive in Delhi, I start thinking when I will leave’: Nitin Gadkari says pollution reducing life expectancy

Acknowledging that at 40 per cent, the transport sector is the largest contributor to pollution in the country, he said: “We are number one in pollution too. Hence, our department is committed to mitigating it through plantation and transplantation efforts.”

Highlighting the alarming levels of pollution in Delhi, Gadkari said: “The oxygen level here is very high today, and once the airport (Noida International Airport) is built and more vehicles enter this area, the environment could further deteriorate.” (Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday that pollution levels in Delhi are reducing the life expectancy of the people of the Capital.

“Main Delhi mein do ya teen din rehta hun… jab aata hun toh sochta hun kab waha se jana hai… Mein pehle ticket jane ka nikalta hun… Aap iss ko gambheerta se lo ki Delhi mein jo pradushan hai uss ke karan aam aadmi ka jeewan kam hota ja raha hai… (I stay in Delhi for two or three days only, and when I arrive, I start thinking about when I will leave. I book my return tickets first. You should take this issue seriously. The pollution in Delhi has led to a decrease in the life expectancy of common people),” he said while taking part in a plantation drive, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’, at Faridabad-Noida International Airport Road in Gautam Buddha Nagar.

“Safeguarding (the environment) is our responsibility. We are making aviation fuel and I have taken a vow that when the first flight takes off from here, I will be supplying aviation fuel,” he added.

“When I first became minister, India was ranked 13th or 14th globally in the automobile sector. Today, we have overtaken Japan and hold the third position in the world and the automobile sector contributes Rs 22 lakh crore to the economy,” Gadkari said. He added that while this growth has provided employment to over 4.5 crore youths and generated substantial GST revenue, it also poses a serious environmental challenge.

The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative -- a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) campaign -- aims to promote environmental consciousness by encouraging tree plantations in honour of one's mother. “Just as we respect our mothers, we must show the same reverence to Mother Earth.

Taking part in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ tree plantation initiative, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said: “Just as we respect our mothers, we must show the same reverence to Mother Earth.”(Express Photo by Gajendra Yadav)

Acknowledging that at 40 per cent, the transport sector is the largest contributor to pollution in the country, he said: “We are number one in pollution too. Hence, our department is committed to mitigating it through plantation and transplantation efforts.”

The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative — a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) campaign — aims to promote environmental consciousness by encouraging tree plantations in honour of one’s mother. “Just as we respect our mothers, we must show the same reverence to Mother Earth. This programme has both cultural and moral significance,” Gadkari said.

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Speaking about NHAI’s efforts to expand green cover, he said: “NHAI has taken several initiatives for green highways. We have also built a 20-km stretch of crash barrier using bamboo. Now, we do not need permission to fell bamboo… and by planting bamboo, NHAI will earn several crores.”

He further said that about 80 lakh tonnes of waste from four Delhi landfills are used for highway construction. “We have reduced the height of the Ghazipur landfill by 7 m,” he claimed.

Gadkari mentioned how Artificial Intelligence was leveraged for the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He noted that all plants under the campaign will be e-tagged to ensure the long-term care of the trees. “This will help us to ensure the proper development of a sapling. The world is changing rapidly. If we do not act now, we risk losing the natural life that exists in places like this (Noida). It is our job to protect it,” he added.

Neetika Jha

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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