L-G flags ‘dust disaster’ in letter to Delhi CM Atishi

Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena on Wednesday wrote to CM Atishi, raising concerns over the escalating pollution levels in the Capital. He criticised the Delhi Government for prioritising media campaigns over concrete actions. He highlighted that 74 per cent of the pollution sources were within Delhi’s control, with dust from unrepaired roads and construction waste contributing 36 per cent, and vehicular emissions accounting for 25 per cent.

The remaining 26 per cent is caused by stubble burning in neighbouring states.

Drawing from his experience in Ahmedabad and examples from other cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru and Indore, Saxena stressed that consistent dust-mitigation efforts could significantly reduce air pollution.

Saxena urged the government to focus on practical solutions rather than media-oriented blame games, warning that inaction would worsen the winter smog and leave the city gasping for air.

The AAP, however, said the country’s top three cities with the worst AQI levels are in BJP-ruled Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.