How is Rahul Gandhi Addressing Air Pollution Concerns in Lok Sabha?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Air pollution crisis needs urgent action.
- Gandhi calls for a city-specific action plan.
- Health impacts are severe, particularly for children and the elderly.
- Political unity is emphasized in addressing this issue.
- Upcoming rally at Ramlila Maidan is crucial for the Congress party.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating air pollution crisis in the Lok Sabha on Friday, calling on the government to develop a detailed, time-sensitive plan aimed at enhancing air quality in cities across India.
“A substantial number of our urban areas are enveloped in hazardous air. Countless children are grappling with lung ailments, cancer cases are rising, and senior citizens are finding it challenging to breathe,” Gandhi stated, emphasizing the dire health consequences of polluted air.
He pointed out that the matter garners unanimous attention from all political parties.
“There is complete consensus between the government and opposition on this critical issue,” he noted, offering full collaboration in crafting a unified action strategy.
Gandhi requested an urgent discussion in Parliament, stating, “The Prime Minister must provide a city-specific plan detailing how we can achieve substantial advancements over the next five to ten years, even if the issue cannot be resolved immediately.”
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 331 at 7 a.m., placing it back in the 'very poor' category. Jahangirpuri was reported as the most severely affected area in the capital, with an AQI of 405, categorizing it in the 'severe' zone.
Earlier that day, the Congress party held a meeting of its Lok Sabha MPs at the Parliament House Annexe Extension Building, presided over by Rahul Gandhi. Notably, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor was absent.
During the meeting, Gandhi was updated on various organizational issues. Party leaders claimed that he had “revealed the truth of electoral fraud to the world” and encouraged MPs to remain alert and united as the party gears up for a significant mobilization in the capital.
Rahul Gandhi underscored the significance of the Congress’ forthcoming rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday (December 14), describing it as “historic” and pivotal in the battle for free, fair, and transparent elections. MPs were urged to ensure strong attendance and to represent themselves.
The meeting commenced with a two-minute silence to honor former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who passed away earlier that morning. Leaders recalled Patil as a principled, dignified, and dedicated public servant whose contributions to national politics will be remembered for years to come.