‘Only ruthless execution can save Delhi from environmental catastrophe’: Former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant

Following Delhi waking up to a thick blanket of smog after a night of intense firecracking on Diwali, former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant criticised the Supreme Court for prioritising the right to burn crackers over the right to live and breathe.

He warned that only ruthless and sustained execution can save Delhi from this health and environmental catastrophe, adding, “If Los Angeles, Beijing, and London can do it, why can’t Delhi?”

Advertisement

Kant emphasised the need for a unified action plan to end crop and biomass burning, shut or modernise thermal power plants and brick kilns with cleaner technology, shift all transport to electric by 2030, enforce strict construction dust control, ensure full waste segregation and processing, and redesign Delhi around green, walkable, transit-focused living.

Delhi residents struggled with breathing difficulties as the national capital recorded ‘very poor’ air quality levels on Tuesday, triggering a political blame game.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the BJP government in Delhi. He questioned the promised artificial rain initiative aimed at reducing post-Diwali pollution. “The government said pollution would be fixed with artificial rain after Diwali. Did it happen? No. Are they letting people fall ill? Is there collusion with private hospitals?” Bharadwaj alleged.

Morning AQI readings across the city were alarming: Anand Vihar – 358, ITO – 347, Lodhi Road – 329, IGI Airport – 313 (‘Very Poor’ category). CPCB data showed Chandni Chowk – 326, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – 318, Rohini – 372, and Okhla Phase 2 – 353.