Delhi Environment Minister Apologises for Smog Crisis, Says Pollution Cannot Be Fixed Overnight – Obnews

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has apologised to residents for the capital’s worsening air quality, saying it is unrealistic to expect any elected government to resolve decades of pollution problems within a few months. His remarks came as Delhi and the wider National Capital Region continued to experience poor to severe air quality, triggering serious public health concerns.

Speaking on Tuesday, Sirsa said reducing the Air Quality Index within nine or ten months was impossible given the scale and duration of the problem. He acknowledged the public’s frustration and said the current government was working to improve conditions, adding that pollution levels had been showing gradual daily improvement. He blamed years of mismanagement by the previous Aam Aadmi Party government for the current situation and said corrective measures were now being implemented.

To curb further deterioration, Sirsa announced new restrictions that will take effect from Thursday. Only BS VI compliant vehicles from outside Delhi will be allowed to enter the city. In addition, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate will be denied fuel at petrol pumps. The measures are intended to reduce vehicular emissions, one of the major contributors to Delhi’s air pollution.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that several areas across the city recorded very poor to severe air quality. Anand Vihar and Ghazipur each reported an AQI of 410, classified as severe. AIIMS recorded an AQI of 397 and India Gate stood at 380, both falling in the very poor category.

With pollution levels remaining dangerously high, the Commission for Air Quality Management invoked all measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi NCR. Stage IV is the strictest level of action and is implemented to limit public exposure and prevent further deterioration when air quality reaches critical thresholds.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also addressed public anger over pollution last week, saying the crisis was the result of long standing neglect. Speaking at an event in Pitampura, she said the problem had built up over decades and could not be resolved instantly. Gupta argued that just as the issue developed over many years, meaningful improvement would also require sustained time and effort.

Officials have urged residents to limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours and comply with restrictions as authorities work to stabilise air quality and reduce health risks across the capital.