Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday urged the central government to create a concrete and time-bound strategy to tackle the worsening air pollution crisis affecting major Indian cities. Speaking during the Winter Session, he stressed that pollution had reached a stage where political rivalry must take a backseat, and all parties should work together for the sake of public health. Gandhi told the House that the opposition was ready to fully cooperate with the government if it takes the initiative to build a national plan aimed at reducing toxic air.
Rahul Gandhi reminded the government that he had earlier demanded a full debate on the issue before the session began, and said there was an urgent need for a constructive discussion inside Parliament. He appealed to all parties to avoid unnecessary confrontation and instead demonstrate unity on a matter that impacts millions of lives. According to him, the country expects leaders to respond with seriousness and vision, rather than arguments and accusations.
During his speech, Gandhi proposed that the Prime Minister should lay out an action blueprint for each polluted city, outlining steps that could gradually reduce pollution levels over the next five to ten years. He admitted that the problem may not disappear overnight, but stressed that a systematic plan would at least show the country that efforts are being made to make urban life safer and healthier. His comments received wide attention as he emphasised the need to involve experts and scientific minds in drafting a nationwide pollution-reduction roadmap.
Even as Gandhi raised the issue inside the Lok Sabha, Delhi once again recorded severely polluted air. Residents woke up to dense smog, with the Air Quality Index crossing 300 in several parts of the city. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed AQI levels around 354 at ITO, 338 near AIIMS, 386 in Ghazipur and 380 in Anand Vihar. Thick haze reduced visibility during morning hours, causing concern among commuters and adding to the long-standing frustration of citizens who face hazardous air each winter.
