Delhi’s Air Emergency: India Gate Vanishes in Toxic Smog
Delhi’s air quality turned hazardous on Tuesday as smog reduced visibility to near-zero, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 500 in some areas. The iconic India Gate disappeared beneath the haze, sparking a political war between the AAP and Congress over accountability for the crisis.
Political Blame Game Erupts
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh mocked the AAP government, tweeting: “India Gate has disappeared. I hope Kejriwal’s government hasn’t sold it too!” AAP retaliated, blaming stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana and accusing the BJP-led Centre of inaction.
Key accusations:
– AAP’s claim: “Central govt failed to curb farm fires; Delhi bears the brunt.”
– BJP’s counter: “Odd-even scheme is a gimmick; where’s AAP’s long-term plan?”
Health Crisis: Schools Closed, Hospitals Overwhelmed
With AQI at 468+ citywide (Anand Vihar hit 565), the Delhi government:
✅ Shut primary schools for 2 days
✅ Banned construction work
✅ Restricted diesel vehicles under GRAP Stage IV
Doctors reported a 30% spike in respiratory cases, with symptoms like burning eyes and breathlessness. The Delhi High Court slammed authorities: “Why no concrete action year after year?”
What’s Causing Delhi’s Deadly Smog?
- Stubble burning (35% of PM2.5) – Despite bans, Punjab/Haryana farm fires persist.
- Vehicular emissions – Diesel trucks and traffic congestion worsen pollution.
- Weather – Low wind speed traps pollutants near ground level.
Public Anger and Demands for Action
The hashtag #DelhiAirEmergency trended as residents shared images of the obscured India Gate. Activists like Vimlendu Jha (Green India) criticized governments for “temporary fixes, no real solutions.”
What Next?
- Supreme Court hearing on pollution plea Wednesday.
- Calls for stricter enforcement of anti-pollution laws.
- Pressure for inter-state cooperation on farm fires.
For now, Delhi remains a gas chamber, with India Gate’s vanishing act symbolizing a city drowning in toxic air—and political blame games.
