'Millions of lives being cut short': Rahul Gandhi calls air pollution a 'national emergency'; suggests collective response

Published On : 2024-11-22T17:34:11+0530 [ IST ] | Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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Congress leader rahul-gandhi" target="_blank">Rahul Gandhi on Friday called air pollution in North India a "national emergency" and urged Members of Parliament to prioritize the crisis in the upcoming Winter Session as the air quality in Delhi-NCR plunged to alarm

Sharing his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), Rahul highlighted the need for a collective national response.

Gandhi’s statement was accompanied by a video of his discussion with environmentalist Vimlendu Jha at India Gate pointing out the multi-dimensional impact of the crisis.

Air pollution is a public health crisis that is stealing our children's future, suffocating the elderly and ruining countless lives Gandhi said.

He pointed out that the crisis disproportionately affects the poor exacerbating health disparities and curbing economic opportunities. "The poorest among us suffer the most, unable to escape the toxic air that surrounds them.

The cloud of pollution covers hundreds of kilometres. Cleaning it up will require major changes and decisive action -- from governments, companies, experts and citizens. We need a collective national response, not political blame

With the Winter Session scheduled from November 25 to December 20 Rahul urged MPs to discuss strategies to combat the crisis.

During the video discussion environmentalist Vimlendu Jha identified stubble burning and lifestyle choices as key contributors to Delhi-NCR air pollution.

While stubble burning is an episodic issue lasting around three weeks, long-term incentives for farmers are essential to address this challenge. Additionally he called for lifestyle changes to tackle perennial pollution sources such as vehicle emissions and industrial waste.

On Friday Delhi woke to a thick layer of smog with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 371, indicating 'very poor' conditions. Specific hotspots including Anand Vihar (410), Bawana (411), Mundka (402) and Wazirpur (413) recorded AQI levels in the

The Supreme Court on Friday said it would review whether to relax the stringent restrictions imposed under GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan).

Source : Reporters From Sunrise Chronicles

Tags : Twitter , He , Air , Central Pollution Control Board , Air Quality Index , Rahul Gandhi , Winter Session , pollutioncongress leader rahul gandhi , airepisodic issue lasting around three weeks , Tourism ,

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