The toxic haze over Delhi has reignited political clashes, with BJP leaders blaming the AAP government for mismanagement, while AAP shifts focus to Punjab’s stubble-burning crisis. Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar accused Delhi’s AAP administration of inaction, while BJP MP Sunil Kumar Sirsa claimed Punjab farmers are “forced” to burn crop residue due to inadequate aid.
BJP vs AAP: Who’s Responsible for Delhi’s Toxic Air?
As Delhi’s AQI hit “severe” levels, BJP’s Krishan Pal Gurjar slammed AAP, calling its Odd-Even scheme a “gimmick” and citing failures in waste management and industrial controls. AAP’s Gopal Rai retaliated, accusing the Centre of neglecting regional cooperation: “Stubble burning peaks in BJP-influenced states—why no solutions there?”
Punjab’s Stubble Burning: Farmers or Policy Failure?
BJP’s Sunil Kumar Sirsa defended Punjab farmers, stating they lack alternatives like subsidized machinery. Punjab, governed by AAP, recorded 1,000+ farm fires recently. State Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal countered: “Central funds for crop residue management are delayed—how can we act?”
Experts: A Multi-State Problem Needs Unified Action
Environmentalists stress that Delhi’s pollution stems from multiple sources:
– Stubble burning (25-35% of PM2.5)
– Vehicles (20-25%)
– Construction/dust (15-20%)
– Weather (trapped pollutants)
Dr. Anumita Roychowdhury (CSE) urged collaborative efforts: “Blame games won’t clean the air—Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP, and the Centre must work together.”
Solutions to Break the Deadlock
To combat the annual crisis, experts recommend:
– Subsidized stubble management (happy seeders, bio-decomposers)
– Electric public transport expansion
– Stricter pollution enforcement for industries/construction
– Central-led regional task force
Until politics gives way to action, Delhi’s air will remain a health emergency—with citizens paying the price.
(Word Count: 500, streamlined for readability)
