‘Itna bhayankar…’: Nitin Gadkari explains why he doesn't like living in Delhi

Union minister Nitin Gadkari expressed concern over Delhi's severe pollution affecting his health, prompting him to reconsider travel to the city.

Published on: Dec 6, 2024, 11:28:06 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Union minister Nitin Gadkari has voiced concerns over Delhi’s alarming pollution levels, saying they directly affect his health and make him hesitant to visit the national capital.

Union Minister of Roads, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari speaks in Lok Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi

At an event in New Delhi on Tuesday, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Nagpur MP said Delhi’s deteriorating air quality is a key reason many avoid spending time there.

Also read: 2 years of sukhu govt: Congress ready with list of feats, BJP to corner govt over its ‘failures’

"I often question whether or not I should travel to Delhi. Nitin Gadkari said in Hindi, “Itna bhayankar pollution hain” (the pollution is really awful).

He claimed that he usually reconsiders visiting the nation's capital because of the bad air quality, which makes him ill.

“I don't enjoy living here. Because of the pollution here, I become infected. Before coming here, I had to spend two hours doing pranayama [yoga asana],” he continued.

In addition to discussing the economic and environmental difficulties caused by India's overreliance on fossil fuels, the Union minister for road transport and highways, recommended moving towards alternate energy sourcesto fight pollution.

Also read: SC lifts Grap-4 pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR

He stated, “We can reduce the import of fossil fuels by encouraging alternative fuels.” He pointed out that India imports fossil fuels at a cost of ₹22 lakh crore a year.

Civil groups alarmed as Delhi's Air Quality improves

Nitin Gadkari's comments come even as Delhi's air quality improved somewhat this week, falling to the “moderate” category on Thursday with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 165, down from 178 the day before.

Following this improvement, the Center's air quality panel scaled down measures to Stage 2, which prohibits the use of coal and firewood in industries, and loosened harsh limitations under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Civil society organisations, meanwhile, have persisted in sounding the alarm about Delhi's deteriorating air pollution problem. In Parliament, a petition was filed Thursday, calling on MPs to confront what campaigners described as a "unprecedented environmental and public health disaster."

Also read: Delhi’s air quality remains moderate; slight rise in pollution levels

Citing statistics from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the petition stated that Delhi's air quality index (AQI) had been classified as "poor" or "very poor" since September, with dangerous levels of 1,500 to 2,000 recorded throughout the winter months.

It also emphasised the serious health effects of pollution, stating that pollution-related causes account for 1.7 million deaths in India each year and lower life expectancy by 3.57 years countrywide and up to 12 years in Delhi.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.