Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, in a special conversation with Aaj Tak, called the pollution a “national emergency”. He said incidents of stubble burning have increased in BJP-ruled states, while they have decreased in Punjab. For this he cited the data released by the Central Government. Atishi took aim at the Central Government regarding the rising pollution and said, “What measures has the Center taken in this regard?”
Atishi said, “Things are being burnt in 700 places in Madhya Pradesh. This is a national emergency. Just as we were facing a national medical emergency during Covid, today the entire North India is facing a national medical emergency. Should the Central Government tell me what measures it has taken in the last 5 years to reduce incidents of stubble burning?
‘Most of the stubble is burning in MP’
Delhi CM said, ‘Incidents of stubble burning in Punjab have reduced by 80-85 per cent. While if we look at other states, it has increased in Uttar Pradesh, while Madhya Pradesh is witnessing the highest number of stubble burning incidents in the country. The AQI of Bhopal, Indore has increased. The AQI of Bikaner, Jaipur, Patna and Bulandshahr has increased. Is the Aam Aadmi Party responsible for all of them?
‘The central government doesn’t care about pollution’
Atishi said: ‘We have to accept that this is a national emergency. All states came together on Covid and the Center also came forward and took many steps. Today, incidents of stubble burning are creating a national medical emergency. He said: ‘The central government does not care about pollution. Incidents of stubble burning are increasing in BJP-ruled states. The Punjab government has shown that if there is will, incidents of stubble burning can be reduced.
‘Did PM Modi call any emergency meeting?’
Targeting the Central Government, the Delhi CM said, ‘Has the Prime Minister called any emergency meeting on pollution till date? Did you take any emergency measures? Did you take at least one step in any state in the last 5 years?
Atishi said: ‘We can only look at the numbers. Stubble is not burned in Delhi. Stubble burns in different parts of the country, different states. Statistics show that stubble burning has reduced in states where the Aam Aadmi Party is in power and has increased in states ruled by the BJP. Even if these figures are not accepted, the central government will do something.
