Story perspectives

Delhi's Air Quality Crisis: Congress Calls It 'Slow Poison'

11/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

Delhi's air quality remains critically poor with an AQI of 332 on November 29, 2025.
The Congress party has labeled the pollution crisis as a "slow poison" and urged the government to treat it as a national emergency.
Sandeep Dikshit (Congress party leader) said vehicular emissions account for 35% of pollution and dismissed stubble burning as a minor contributor.
He criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party for neglecting infrastructure and public transport, which he says has worsened pollution.
Rahul Gandhi (Congress leader) echoed these concerns, demanding urgent parliamentary discussions and a comprehensive action plan to address the health crisis.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, India launched the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to address severe air pollution, with vehicular emissions accounting for 30% of Delhi's pollution. The Supreme Court has criticized the government's inaction, reflecting ongoing struggles against environmental degradation. As of 2022, Delhi was ranked the most polluted city globally, highlighting the urgent need for effective policies to safeguard public health.

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Story summary

Delhi's air quality remains critically poor with an AQI of 332 on November 29, 2025.
The Congress party has labeled the pollution crisis as a "slow poison" and urged the government to treat it as a national emergency.
Sandeep Dikshit (Congress party leader) said vehicular emissions account for 35% of pollution and dismissed stubble burning as a minor contributor.
He criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party for neglecting infrastructure and public transport, which he says has worsened pollution.
Rahul Gandhi (Congress leader) echoed these concerns, demanding urgent parliamentary discussions and a comprehensive action plan to address the health crisis.

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