Are Children Dying and the Elderly Suffering Due to Air Pollution?
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Synopsis
On December 4, the Opposition protested against the government's inaction towards air pollution, highlighting the severe impact on children and the elderly. Leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called for urgent measures, asserting that this crisis is beyond politics and demands immediate attention.
Key Takeaways
- Protest highlights urgency of air pollution crisis.
- Political leaders unite for a common cause.
- Children and the elderly are particularly affected.
- Historical context of previous government actions.
- Call for immediate and effective government intervention.
New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Opposition organized a protest on Thursday at the Makar Dwar within the Parliament grounds, condemning the Centre for what they termed as insufficient actions to tackle the rising air pollution crisis affecting central and northern India.
Members of Parliament donned oxygen masks and held a banner in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier comments about enjoying the weather as the Winter Session commenced.
During the protest, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, participated actively outside the Parliament building.
Responding to the media, Sonia Gandhi remarked, "We urge the government to take action regarding this air pollution issue. Young children are losing their lives, and numerous elderly individuals like myself are also enduring severe hardships."
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced her criticism of the Centre, emphasizing that air pollution should not be regarded as a "political issue" and insisted on immediate government intervention.
"How can anyone enjoy the weather? Young children are gasping for air, and the elderly are experiencing significant health concerns. The situation deteriorates yearly, yet no substantial measures are implemented. We have consistently advocated for government action, and we unite on this matter. This transcends politics," she stated.
Congress MP Ajay Maken highlighted the deteriorating air quality, despite what he called a "double-engine government" in Delhi, contrasting it with the time when the UPA held power.
In an interview with IANS, he mentioned, "When our administration was in power 15 years ago, we revamped the entire transport network and introduced 6,000 CNG buses to combat pollution in Delhi. Since then, no new buses have been added... Unless construction is regulated, pollution in Delhi will persist."
Moreover, Congress MPs Manickam Tagore, Manish Tewari, and Vijayakumar submitted notices for a discussion regarding the worsening air quality.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the alarming rise in air pollution and its impact on vulnerable populations. The response from political leaders suggests a growing concern, but the challenge remains in translating this urgency into effective action and policy changes.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the protest?
The protest aimed to criticize the government's insufficient measures to combat air pollution affecting central and northern India.
Who were the key figures involved in the protest?
Key figures included Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge.
What did Sonia Gandhi emphasize during the protest?
Sonia Gandhi emphasized that air pollution is causing deaths among children and posing serious health issues for the elderly.
What is the significance of the 'double-engine government' remark?
The remark highlights the expectation that a cooperative government at both state and central levels should effectively address pollution issues.
What measures did the Congress claim to have implemented in the past?
Congress claimed to have introduced 6,000 CNG buses to improve air quality during their tenure.
