Delhi is currently facing extreme challenges due to severe air pollution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to alarming levels, reaching as high as 500. This dire situation has sparked not only health concerns but also intense political accusations between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
On November 18, 2024, the AQI for Delhi hit season's worst at 493, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed serious concern over the delay in executing pollution control measures stipulated under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), particularly Stage 4, which should be enforced when pollution levels rise significantly. The court emphasized the importance of invoking these measures when the AQI ranges between 300 and 400.
The Supreme Court has insisted on accountability from the Delhi government, questioning why there was hesitation to implement Stage 3 measures even after the AQI reached dangerous thresholds. The justices also asserted, "Scaling down of the preventive measures would not be permitted without our prior approval." Proactive measures are now being enforced with areas experiencing maximum pollution being subjected to strict regulations.
Meanwhile, Delhi's Chief Minister, Atishi, voiced her frustration over the pollution crisis, blaming it on the rampant stubble burning occurring predominantly in states ruled by the BJP, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. During a press conference, she described the air quality crisis as nothing short of a medical emergency, critically stating, "North India is choking because of the Modi government's inaction. Stubble burning incidents have escalated in BJP-ruled states, whereas AAP-governed Punjab has registered a decline." Her remarks were made against the backdrop of increasing public health concerns, with many residents reaching out to express their struggles with the toxic air quality.
Atishi’s comments ignited political tension, as the BJP responded by launching its own counter-offensive. The BJP’s Delhi unit released posters depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi wearing a mask and mocked the AAP, stating, "Kejriwal's London is facing a breathing emergency." This poster war between the factions has become highly visible on social media platforms. AAP retaliated by portraying Modi boarding a flight and asserting he was choosing to ignore the pollution crisis, labeling him as being "in flight mode."
The conflict escalated as the Supreme Court heard pleas criticizing both the Central and the Delhi government for their sluggish approach to pollution management. The BJP's social media campaign, highlighted by the hashtag #AAPatkaal, criticized the AAP’s handling of the situation and questioned, "Is this what you wanted, Delhi?" Meanwhile, AAP suggested the central government had failed to take decisive action against pollution coming from agricultural practices across the Northern region.
The current air quality crisis has necessitated drastic measures, including closure of schools and transition to online classes at Delhi University. On November 19, the air quality recorded levels pushing past the severe threshold with the government's response intensified. The hospitals are bracing for increased patients with respiratory ailments, and health advisories are being circulated urging residents to limit outdoor activities.
Both parties appear entrenched, as accusations fly back and forth. Atishi, along with other AAP leaders, has stressed the urgency of immediate and effective action, including proposals for cloud seeding to induce artificial rain and combat the severe pollution.
AAP's ideas for combating pollution have met with varied responses from the BJP, who countered claims of farm fires being the primary cause of air pollution by citing statistics on stubble burning. Reports indicated substantial incidents of stubble fires this month alone, including 2,940 cases recorded in Uttar Pradesh and 11,382 cases noted from Madhya Pradesh. These figures serve as ammunition for both sides, each attempting to deflect responsibility for the deteriorative air quality.
The situation highlights not only environmental negligence but also the inadequacies of policy responses to long-standing pollution challenges within the region. Residents remain concerned as political skirmishes overshadow the urgent requirement for collaborative efforts to mitigate the pollution crisis.
With temperatures dropping and weather conditions contributing to the pollution, Delhi’s air quality has been classified as hazardous. Government officials have urged the public to stay indoors as they navigate through this acute public health crisis. The complexity of the air quality issue adds layers to the political discourse, illustrating how intertwined environmental challenges and political strategies have become.
This year's end-of-season pollution episode has underscored existing rifts within governance, testing the leadership of both parties amid growing public scrutiny and health concerns. With the Supreme Court’s oversight and public pressure surging, it remains to be seen how Delhi's air quality issues will be comprehensively addressed.
It feels like the residents of Delhi are caught between political narratives and the dire realities of pollution. With the clock ticking and health at stake, both the government and the opposition need to move past the blame game and work together for actionable solutions.
