Air pollution has become a major problem in Delhi. It causes significant health issues for people. You'll be surprised to know that pollution is widespread not just in Delhi but across the entire country. No area is untouched. Pollution levels are high in some places, low in others. In 2024, air pollution caused the deaths of 1.7 million Indians.

People protest daily in various places to convey their concerns to the government, urging them to find solutions to alleviate pollution. In this vein, the opposition launched a scathing attack on the government on Thursday. In light of the pollution, several opposition MPs protested inside and outside Parliament, demanding immediate intervention from the central government. They stated that the rising pollution is no longer just an environmental crisis but a national health emergency.

'It's dangerous for elderly people like me to breathe'

Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi said in the Parliament complex that pollution has made life difficult for children and the elderly, and that even young children are suffering from asthma. Breathing this air is extremely dangerous for elderly people like me.

'Where should Delhi's 2.75 crore people go?'

Congress MP Ranjit Ranjan, in the Rajya Sabha, called air pollution a national health emergency. He urged the government to address the toxic air they have been living in for years. He said that health experts are suggesting they leave Delhi for a few months. How can this be possible? Delhi's 2.75 crore people are suffering from air pollution. Where will they go after leaving Delhi? Citing WHO data, he said that 1.7 million Indians died in 2024 due to air pollution. No part of the country is untouched by pollution.

'This time cross 400'

Meanwhile, Biju Janata Dal MP Sulata Dev took a dig at the BJP's election slogan, saying that the BJP's slogan was 'This time cross 400'. That slogan has been applied to the AQI. The AQI has already crossed 400 in many areas of Delhi. He also said that permission was granted to cut down nine crore trees for coal mine expansion in Odisha. This is an example of environmental destruction.

"Which season should we enjoy?"

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra targeted PM Modi regarding Delhi's pollution. Taking a dig at PM Modi's "Enjoy the weather" statement, she said, "Which season should we enjoy? Asthma patients are suffering. Children and the elderly are suffering. Pollution levels are falling every year and the AQI is increasing. Despite this, no action is being taken." She said that air pollution is not a political issue; it is a matter of public health. The opposition stands with the government on this issue, but it would be great if the government takes concrete steps.

Several MPs submitted notices in the Lok Sabha regarding pollution.

Several opposition MPs, including Manickam Tagore, Manish Tewari, and Vijay Vasant, submitted notices in the Lok Sabha demanding an immediate discussion on air pollution and urged the central government to declare it a national health emergency.