Delhi Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, affirmed the BJP government’s commitment to tackling the pollution issue inherited from the previous administration. Sirsa, addressing the Delhi Legislative Assembly, emphasized the government’s resolve to confront and eradicate pollution. He highlighted key historical events and legal mandates, such as the M.C. Mehta vs Union of India case and Supreme Court directives on environmental measures. Despite past interventions, Sirsa noted a significant decline in Delhi’s air quality post-2014.
The Minister pointed out that global agencies consistently ranked Delhi as the most polluted capital between 2014 and 2025, reflecting the failure of the prior AAP government. He cited judicial criticisms labeling Delhi as a “gas chamber” and “unlivable,” underscoring the lack of effective actions taken. Referring to official reports, Sirsa criticized the inefficacy of initiatives like the odd-even scheme and inadequate pollution control measures. In contrast, the current administration led by Rekha Gupta has prioritized aggressive anti-pollution efforts.
Sirsa detailed ongoing initiatives, including large-scale biomining at landfill sites, extensive dust control measures, and stringent enforcement against vehicular pollution. He highlighted the implementation of a ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy, closure of fake PUC centers, and the introduction of a substantial fleet of electric buses. The government’s focus on environmental conservation was underscored by the notification of over 10,000 acres as Reserve Forest and extensive tree plantation drives. Institutional reforms and technological advancements have further contributed to visible improvements in Delhi’s air quality.
