Delhi itself responsible for its worsening air: Dave

Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave today said Delhi is responsible for the 80 per cent of the worsening air in the city and that there is a need for ending the blame game over the issue.

At a meeting of the environment ministers of Delhi-NCR states to find a solution to combat the problem, he said crop stubble burning contributed just 20 per cent of the pollutants.

Neighbouring states of Haryana and Punjab also put the blame on Delhi.

"Stubble burning is 20 per cent of the problem. Delhi's responsibility is 80 per cent. Burning of petrol/diesel, coal, wood, dry leaves and of garbage at a waste disposal ground led to pollution in Delhi. Burning of crackers can be added to that as well," Dave said.
 

Dave stressed the need to end the blame game and focus on resolving the problem at hand.

"I always make an attempt to put an end to blame game. Sensationalism and blame game have become a strategy. People get affected by this. They are having trouble breathing. Deal with that first. I want that the states carry out their responsibilities," he said.

The minister said an "Environment Protection Calendar", listing measures to be adopted by all states on a monthly basis, will be prepared in January.

Haryana Environment Minister Vipul Goel said vehicular emission was the root cause of the problem.

"It is definitely not due to stubble burning. Moreover, its rate has dropped to extremely low levels. There is neither wind nor pollution in the areas where the stubble is being burned.

"Pollution in Delhi is due to traffic in the NCR region. On our part, we have banned construction activities in Gurgaon and Faridabad, and intensified drive against old vehicles," Goel said.

He enumerated steps the Haryana government is taking, including a ban on vehicles causing pollution and added it was contemplating shifting thermal power plants.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Tota Singh said, "This is aimed at tarnishing the image of Punjab and Haryana. We have statistics to prove that the situation in Delhi is its own doing. Pollution in Delhi affects other states. Crop burning is not a reason at all.