Amidst a public health emergency declared in Delhi-NCR over record air pollution, authorities seem to be indulging in blame game with each passing the buck on other rather than finding ways and means to bring some respite to the citizens from the hazardous toxic air. The state governments of Delhi and Punjab as also the Centre are exchanging letters blaming each other for not doing enough to tackle the situation.
To start with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held neighboring states of Haryana and Punjab for the worsening situation in Delhi-NCR. He alleged they sat idle doing nothing while stubble burning went on in their backyard vitiating the atmosphere. He wrote to Union Environment Minister Praksh Javdekar seeking his intervention in the matter.
Responding to his letter, the minister accused Kejriwal for playing politics on air pollution.
After Kejriwal, it was Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s turn to write a letter. He wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his anguish over unprecedented situation triggered by the growing air pollution in Delhi. Singh, in his letter, underlined the need to build a consensus on tackling the issue, rising above political affiliations and regional considerations.
Following the development, residents of the city alleged Delhi government for its lack of seriousness, saying such development should have come before the winter starts.
Annoyed with blame game between Delhi government and the Centre, B S Vohra, president of federation of RWA (East Delhi) said, “They will keep on blaming each other while Delhiites keep on suffering as usual. Delhi is breathing toxins and pollutants for the last five days. All the leaders must come forward to announce that all the hospitals of Delhi must provide free treatment during this medical emergency.”
“Political leadership, in order to hide their misdeeds, apathy and concerns for the Delhi, are running away to discuss facts in public and enter in blame game to keep intact their voter banks,” said Atul Goel, president of United Residents Joint Action (federation of RWA in Delhi).
