BJP, NDMC intensify pollution awareness efforts

The BJP youth wing staged a protest at Anand Vihar Chowk, one of Delhi’s most polluted hotspots, to highlight the alarming air pollution levels in the city.

The protest, led by youth wing president Sagar Tyagi, saw active participation from Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, Union Minister Harsh Malhotra and Shahdara district president Sanjay Goyal, along with hundreds of party activists.

Wearing respiratory masks, the protesters called attention to the dangers of hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI). Local MLA Om Prakash Sharma also joined the protest, aimed at raising public awareness and holding the Kejriwal government accountable for its alleged inaction on pollution control.

Criticising the Delhi Government, Sachdeva said, “The Kejriwal government is a disaster for Delhiites. Whether at home or outside, people feel suffocated in this gas chamber. Elderly and children are suffering from respiratory illnesses.”

He accused the government of neglecting basic pollution-control measures such as road cleaning and vehicular emission checks, while constantly blaming the Central Government.

“The Central Government has undertaken numerous initiatives, including the Akshardham Road project, Eastern and Western Expressways, Dwarka Expressway and Pragati Maidan Tunnel, which have significantly reduced heavy vehicle traffic in Delhi. Meanwhile, the Kejriwal government has failed to take any concrete steps to combat pollution,” Sachdeva added.

Malhotra pointed to the lack of coordination between the Delhi and Punjab Governments on tackling stubble burning. “It is unfortunate that despite being in power for 10 years, the Kejriwal government has taken no substantial action against pollution. Instead, they engage in hollow statements and false promises,” he said.

“Living in Delhi without a mask today is equivalent to risking your life,” Malhotra warned, adding that public awareness is critical in the absence of government action.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari and NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal distributed N95 masks among the public at Connaught Place.

Chahal highlighted NDMC’s ongoing initiatives to combat pollution. “The NDMC is actively engaged in pollution-control measures, including the deployment of mechanical road sweepers, anti-smog guns and regular washing of trees and footpaths. Today, we distributed 500 N95 masks among frontline workers, pedestrians and police personnel to mitigate the harmful effects of pollution,” he said.

Chahal also underscored NDMC’s efforts to expand green spaces across New Delhi. “We have planted over 12 lakh trees, shrubs and saplings to date, and more are planned to increase the city’s green cover. Combating pollution is our priority,” he added.