Nitin Gadkari’s Concern Over Delhi’s Terrible Pollution

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called Delhi’s pollution levels “terrible.”
2. He stated that the air quality makes him sick and reluctant to visit the city.
3. Gadkari advocated for alternative energy sources to reduce fossil fuel imports.
4. Delhi’s AQI recently improved to the “moderate” category, easing some restrictions.
5. Civil groups petitioned Parliament to address the worsening pollution crisis.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Nitin Gadkari’s Take on Delhi Pollution

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his dismay over Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, describing it as “terrible.” He admitted that he often reconsiders his visits to the capital, saying, “The pollution is so bad that I don’t like coming here.”

Health Implications of Pollution

Gadkari revealed that pollution in Delhi directly affects his health. “I get infections due to the air quality here. I had to do pranayama for two hours before coming,” he said, underscoring the physical toll of the city’s air.

Emphasis on Alternative Energy

Highlighting India’s annual ₹22 lakh crore expenditure on fossil fuel imports, Gadkari called for a shift to alternative fuels. He stressed that adopting sustainable energy solutions could mitigate the economic and environmental impacts of pollution.

Recent AQI Trends and Government Action

Delhi’s air quality improved slightly, with the AQI falling into the “moderate” category. Following this improvement, the government eased restrictions under the GRAP framework.

Alarming Health Statistics

A petition in Parliament noted that Delhi’s air pollution has been in the “poor” or “very poor” category since September. Data shows pollution-related issues cause 1.7 million deaths annually in India, cutting life expectancy by 3.57 years nationwide and up to 12 years in Delhi.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Nitin Gadkari criticized Delhi’s air pollution as “terrible.”
• He emphasized the importance of adopting alternative energy sources.
• Air pollution in Delhi significantly reduces life expectancy and causes millions of deaths annually.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio