Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the worsening air quality in the national capital. He said that he develops infection after staying in Delhi for just two days due to severe pollution.
Speaking at the launch of the book ‘My Idea of Nation First – Redefining Unalloyed Nationalism’ by Uday Mahurkar, Gadkari said Delhi’s air pollution has reached alarming levels. “I stay in Delhi for two days and get an infection. It is so polluted. Why is Delhi suffering so much from pollution?” he said.
Transport sector accounts for 40% of pollution: Minister
Acknowledging the role of his own ministry, Gadkari said the transport sector contributes nearly 40 per cent to pollution. “I am the Transport Minister, and 40 per cent of the pollution is caused by us,” he said.
The minister strongly pitched for self-reliance in alternative cleaner fuel solutions. He also questioned the logic of India’s heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports. “We are spending ₹22 lakh crore every year on importing fossil fuels. What kind of nationalism is this? By spending so much money, we are polluting our own country,” Gadkari said.
He added that true nationalism, in today’s context, should be about bringing down imports and elevating exports, while transitioning to cleaner energy options. “If there is any true nationalism today, it lies in reducing imports and increasing exports,” he said.
Delhi continues to choke under toxic smog
Delhi continues to reel under a thick blanket of toxic smog, with air quality remaining in the severe category in several areas. To curb pollution levels, authorities have implemented multiple anti-pollution measures across the region.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked all actions under GRAP Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR against deteriorating air quality.
The measures include strict restrictions on vehicular movement, construction activities and industrial operations as authorities attempt to bring pollution levels under control.