AAP blames stubble burning in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh for Delhi pollution
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has held the BJP and its alleged inability to curb stubble burning in the neighbouring states responsible for rising pollution levels in the Capital.
Chief Minister Atishi and senior AAP leader Satyendar Jain held a press conference on Sunday to discuss the ongoing pollution crisis in Delhi. They emphasised AAP’s efforts to tackle the problem, while accusing the BJP of engaging in “dirty politics”.
‘Waste released from Badshahpur drain’
BJP leaders go to Kalindi Kunj for photo ops, but the foam in Yamuna is a direct result of industrial waste from Haryana as a significant amount of this waste enters the Yamuna through Badshahpur drain that comes from Haryana. — Satyendar Jain, AAP leader
“Today I want to tell all Delhi residents that the real reason behind the increase in air and water pollution is the dirty politics of the BJP,” said Atishi, pointing towards the party’s inability to control stubble burning in neighbouring states.
She highlighted that the AAP’s government in Punjab had reduced stubble burning incidents almost by half — from 71,300 in 2021 to 36,600 in 2023, while incidents in BJP-ruled Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had risen.
“The figures show that Haryana has seen a 23 per cent increase in stubble burning cases, while Uttar Pradesh’s numbers have surged by 70 per cent,” Atishi said.
She challenged the BJP to take action similar to AAP’s efforts in Punjab. “If we can reduce stubble burning, why can’t the BJP governments do so in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana?” questioned the CM.
Talking about pollution in the Yamuna, Atishi said the AAP government was using a silicon-based food-grade defoamer to reduce foam levels. “The formation of foam at Kalindi Kunj is a proof of the rising pollution levels. This foam is a result of industrial waste released from Haryana and UP,” she said.
Criticising neighbouring states for allowing buses run on diesel, Atishi said, “While Delhi has transitioned to over 2,000 electric and CNG buses, UP and Haryana continue to send diesel buses into our city, contributing to pollution.”
Echoing her sentiments, Jain said, “The BJP leaders go to Kalindi Kunj for photo ops, but the truth is that the foam is a direct result of industrial waste from Haryana.”
“A significant amount of industrial waste enters the Yamuna through the Badshahpur drain from Haryana. This industrial waste does not originate in Delhi,” he asserted.
The AAP leader said two types of waste enter the Yamuna — human waste, which is less harmful, and hazardous industrial waste. “We had started cleaning the Yamuna, but our efforts have been hindered by the BJP,” claimed Jain, emphasising the need for accountability from the BJP.
