Sarita Sahni
29 December, 2025
Congress Takes Responsibility to Protect Delhi’s Air
Taking the responsibility of saving the breath of Delhi’s people, the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) organized a Lok Sansad under the leadership of DPCC President Devender Yadav in the national capital. The programme, held at Western Court, Janpath, was aimed at finding practical and people-oriented solutions to the worsening air pollution crisis through dialogue and consultation. The initiative reflected the Congress party’s commitment to public health, clean environment, and inclusive governance.
Dialogue Over Silence Congress Opens Space for Discussion on Pollution
Devender Yadav said that while air pollution continues to choke Delhi, the BJP government at the Centre has avoided a serious discussion on the issue in Parliament. He added that similarly, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta did not even convene an all-party meeting on pollution in Delhi. In contrast, the Delhi Congress chose to engage directly with society by holding an open and detailed discussion with environmentalists and aware citizens. The Lok Sansad brought together teachers from Delhi University, doctors treating cancer and asthma patients, gynecologists, Resident Welfare Association representatives, students, advocates, social workers, safai karamcharis, and security personnel. Advocate Sunil Kumar coordinated the programme.
Lok Sansad as a Platform for “Samvad Se Samadhan”
Addressing the gathering, Devender Yadav explained that the idea behind organizing the Lok Sansad was to promote Samvad Se Samadhan—solutions through dialogue. He said that both the Central Government and the BJP government in Delhi have so far failed to find a practical and permanent solution to the problem of hazardous air pollution. He recalled that during the recently concluded winter session of Parliament, despite repeated demands by the entire opposition, including the Congress, the BJP government refused to hold a discussion on pollution. Similarly, the demand for an all-party meeting in Delhi was ignored, even as the people of Delhi continued to suffer from dangerously high AQI levels ranging between 400 and 500.
Experts and Citizens Share Ground-Level Concerns
Devender Yadav said that the responsibility of ensuring a healthy life for the people of Delhi lies with the government, but meaningful solutions can only emerge when experts and citizens are heard. Environmentalists Vimlendu Jha and Dr. Jitendra Nagar shared valuable insights on pollution control and public health.
Participants in the Lok Sansad openly expressed concern over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. They raised questions, shared lived experiences, and offered practical suggestions, highlighting the everyday impact of pollution on health, livelihoods, and quality of life.
Congress to Prepare a Detailed Solution Paper on Pollution
Devender Yadav announced that after extensive deliberations in the Lok Sansad, the Congress will compile a detailed suggestion paper on solutions to Delhi’s pollution problem. This document will be presented to the government and shared with various sections of society.
He also said that the Congress has invited suggestions directly from the people of Delhi, emphasizing that clean air is a collective right and responsibility. The aim, he said, is to ensure that Delhiites can breathe clean air in a safe and healthy environment.
Vehicular Pollution Now the Biggest Threat to Delhi’s Air
Highlighting scientific data,Devender Yadav said that pollution in Delhi is no longer mainly due to external factors but has become largely local. He referred to real-time source analysis data from the Decision Support System developed by IIT, which clearly shows that vehicles are the biggest contributors to air pollution in Delhi. According to the data, vehicles contribute 51–53 percent of local PM2.5 pollution during winter. The share of locally generated pollution has increased significantly, while pollution coming from neighboring NCR districts has reduced. This clearly establishes that vehicular emissions are now the primary cause of Delhi’s air pollution crisis.
Free or Affordable Public Transport as a Public Health Necessity
Devender Yadav strongly advocated for making public transport free or affordable for all passengers in Delhi. He cited international examples such as Luxembourg, Tallinn, and Washington, where promoting public transport has led to reduced use of private vehicles, lower fuel consumption, and significant cuts in emissions. He explained that in cities like Delhi, where pollution, traffic congestion, and social inequality are closely linked, free or low-cost public transport is not just a welfare measure. It is an essential requirement for public health, environmental protection, and climate action.
Public Transport Can Reduce Inequality and Improve Quality of Life
Devender Yadav said that encouraging public transport helps bridge social inequalities by improving access to employment, education, and essential services for all sections of society. International experience shows that when public transport is affordable and efficient, people shift away from private vehicles, leading to cleaner air and less traffic congestion. He stressed that rising pollution, traffic jams, and high transportation costs make such a policy urgent for Delhi. The health of citizens, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses, must take priority over political inaction.
Congress Reaffirms Commitment to Clean Air and Public Health
Concluding his address, Devender Yadav said that the Lok Sansad reflects the Congress party’s serious approach to solving Delhi’s pollution crisis through inclusive dialogue and evidence-based solutions. He reiterated that clean air is not a privilege but a fundamental right of every citizen. The Congress, he said, will continue to raise this issue at every forum and work with experts, citizens, and stakeholders to ensure that Delhi moves towards a future where people can breathe freely and live healthier lives.