Sandeep Dikshit Blames Kejriwal for Delhi's Air Quality Crisis and Yamuna Pollution
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Synopsis
In a recent press conference, Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit accused the AAP government under Arvind Kejriwal of being responsible for worsening air quality and Yamuna pollution in Delhi, citing mismanagement and a lack of effective policies over the past decade.
Key Takeaways
- Dikshit blames Kejriwal's incompetence for pollution.
- Stubble burning is not the primary cause of air pollution.
- Vehicle numbers and green cover are significant factors.
- Delhi's transport system has deteriorated under AAP.
- Kejriwal failed to deliver on Yamuna cleaning promises.
New Delhi, Jan 18 (NationPress) Congress candidate for the New Delhi Assembly seat, Sandeep Dikshit, stated on Saturday that the AAP government and Arvind Kejriwal’s incompetence are primarily to blame for Delhi’s toxic air and the polluted Yamuna.
During a press conference at the DPCC office, Dikshit criticized the mismanagement, ineffectiveness, and dishonesty of the Kejriwal administration for the rising pollution levels in the city over the last decade.
He noted that under the previous Congress government, both the air quality in Delhi and the condition of the Yamuna had improved.
Dikshit argued that attributing the air pollution in Delhi solely to stubble burning by farmers in neighboring states is unwarranted.
He emphasized that stubble burning has been a long-standing issue, but the real culprits behind Delhi’s air pollution are the dramatic increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, the lack of a solid public transportation system, and the significant reduction of green spaces.
Dikshit, who previously served as the East Delhi MP, pointed out that the Delhi Transport Corporation's bus fleet has decreased from approximately 5,500 during the Congress era to around 3,000, with Kejriwal failing to take measures to expand the fleet in the last decade.
He mentioned that even without stubble burning currently, the AQI (Air Quality Index) remains between 300 and 400.
Between 1998 and 2013, the Congress government had enhanced the green cover, transitioned nearly one crore vehicles to CNG fuel—including DTC buses—improved public transport, and rapidly developed the Delhi metro rail.
Dikshit noted that even the third phase of the Metro, which was initiated by the Congress government, is falling behind schedule, with no clear plan for the fourth phase.
Regarding Yamuna pollution, Dikshit criticized the Kejriwal government for failing to establish sewage treatment plants that could have mitigated waste entering the river.
He recalled that Kejriwal claimed in 2023 that he would clean the river to the extent that he could take a dip by 2025, yet he has not fulfilled this promise.
Dikshit stated that the AAP government has been unable to enhance water treatment capabilities, leading to residents being forced to consume contaminated water.
He revealed that the accumulated losses of the Delhi Jal Board amount to Rs 76,000 crore due to the corruption and mismanagement attributed to the Kejriwal government.
In the upcoming February 5 Delhi elections, Dikshit will compete against Kejriwal and BJP's Parvesh Verma, with results to be announced on February 8.
