'Criminal negligence': BJP slams AAP government over air pollution | Latest News Delhi

The AAP hit back, accusing the BJP of “running away” from a meeting on air pollution.

At a press conference, Virendra Sachdeva, leader of the BJP in Delhi, said that the AAP government was not taking the necessary steps for the winter months but was “shiing away from responsibility”.

“After the extreme pollution recorded in the capital in the last decade and especially in the last year, Delhi residents were hoping that the Kejriwal government would wake up in 2024. However, it is unfortunate that Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai is merely playing with letters to evade responsibility,” he said.

The BJP leader was referring to a letter Rai had written to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday to convene a meeting with stakeholders to examine proposals for cloud seeding to generate artificial rain to combat air pollution. “Winter air pollution is a very serious problem… but it is unfortunate that Rai is trying to absolve himself of responsibility for winter air pollution by exchanging letters with the central government,” Sachdeva said.

Responding to the BJP's allegations, the AAP released a statement questioning why the party was “avoiding” the Rai meeting.

“Rai has asked for a meeting with the Union Environment Minister but unfortunately the BJP is avoiding the meeting. Does the Union Environment Minister not have time for a meeting?” it said.

“We are preparing a 14-point action plan for winter… 'artificial rain' is one of them. For this, the Delhi government needs special permissions from the central government,” the AAP said.

Separately, Delhi Congress leader Devender Yadav asked the Lieutenant Governor to intervene to find a solution to air pollution in the capital “as the people of Delhi do not trust Rai's empty promises”.