Set house in order before blaming others: Delhi L-G to CM on pollution crisis; AAP hits back

In his letter to Atishi, the L-G wrote: “As we proceed into the festive season… we yet again stare at black air pollution, grey skies not due to clouds, and that dreaded choking feeling. AQI in the city is approaching 400 even as I write to you. The pathetic state of pollution in the Yamuna, as we approach the holy Chhath Puja, is doing rounds all over TV channels and social media.”

Citing studies and his own experience of visiting several road stretches and localities in the Capital, Saxena claimed about 36% of air pollution in the city is on account of dust that flies on roads and from unprocessed construction and demolition waste.

He also claimed 25% of the air pollution is caused due to vehicular emission, 8% due to solid waste burning, stubble burning in other states accounts for 26%, and 5% due to miscellaneous factors like chulhas, tandoors and generators. “We may have little control over 26% of the causative factors, the remaining 74% is well within our control and could have been addressed effectively… by undertaking simple steps — had the government intended to,” he said, adding that if needed, he will request neighbouring states to help Delhi. “However, it will only be appropriate if we first set our house in order before blaming others or asking for their help,” he said.

Saxena said, “… all it would take to address the situation are simple measures. Regular repair of roads, end-to-end carpeting

of pavements, planting small shrubs… Most important in this regard will be repairing roads that are in extraordinarily bad shape, causing tonnes of dust to fly with vehicles running on them.”

Taking aim at former CM Arvind Kejriwal, Saxena wrote, “In several meetings I had with your predecessor Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, I flagged all the issues and tried my best to convince him these are surmountable and should be addressed. But my requests went unheeded.”

In response to his letter, AAP claimed the top three cities with the worst AQI levels today are BJP-ruled Haryana and UP. “This exposes their hypocrisy on pollution. Instead of playing dirty politics, the BJP must work together to find solutions and address issues in neighbouring states…”