Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on Sunday voiced deep concern over the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi, urging immediate intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to tackle the worsening crisis.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi described her shock upon returning to the capital after visits to Wayanad and Bihar’s Bachwara.

“Returning to the Delhi air from Wayanad first, then Bachwara in Bihar is truly shocking. The pollution enveloping this city is like a grey shroud thrown over it,” she wrote.

Calling for collective action beyond political differences, she added, “It’s really about time all of us get together regardless of our political compulsions and do something about it. The central and state governments need to act immediately. We will all support and cooperate with whatever actions they choose to take to mitigate this awful situation. Year after year, the citizens of Delhi are subjected to this toxicity with no recourse.”

Priyanka Gandhi further appealed for urgent steps to protect vulnerable groups like children, senior citizens, and those suffering from respiratory illnesses.

“Those who suffer from respiratory issues, children who commute to school every day, and senior citizens especially need urgent intervention to clear the filthy smog we are all breathing. @gupta_rekha, @byadavbjp, @narendramodi, please take immediate steps,” she posted.

Her remarks came as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi plunged into the ‘Severe’ category on Sunday, with readings around AIIMS and adjoining areas touching 421, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The sharp deterioration followed a 24-hour jump from Saturday’s citywide average AQI of 245, which was already in the ‘Poor’ range.