'Onus is on state government': BJP hits out at AAP on Delhi pollution

The noxious haze pertains to linger in Delhi and its suburbs with raging stubble fires in neighbouring states, fall in the temperature and wind speed pushing the city's air quality to the 'severe' zone. BJP National Secretary has hit out at AAP for not making proper measures to curb the menace.

New Delhi:RP Singh, BJP National Secretary hit out at the Arvind Kejriwal-led state government for the persisting air pollution in the national capital. The noxious haze pertains to linger in Delhi and its suburbs with raging stubble fires in neighbouring states, fall in the temperature and wind speed pushing the city's air quality to the 'severe' zone.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, the BJP leader claimed that Delhi pollution can be curbed by several measures including converting the entire capital into a one-way zone.

"According to the report by the Environment Pollution control board, Delhi's pollution woes are majorly related to slow-moving traffic. They (state government) are not offering a solution. They just want to politicise pollution," Singh said.

As air pollution levels are nearing 'severe plus category', schools in Noida, Ghaziabad and Delhi have been shut for two days, hours after the apex court-mandated anti-pollution authority EPCA that they should be closed as pollution in the region hovered close to 'emergency' levels.

The smog cover has also reduced the visibility at the major junctions of the city in the wee hours. The commuters were only able to see till 100-150 meters of the road while driving.

People residing in Gurugram complained of breathlessness and allergic reactions due to the toxic air. According to the India Meteorological Department, fog and mist cover is very likely over the region for the next three days.

On being asked about the role of Central government in containing the pollution, Singh said that necessary support was provided to the state government in Delhi, UP, Punjab and Haryana.

"The centre has released funds and had urged the respective state governments to take action. The Western Peripheral Expressway given by the centre will improve air quality in Delhi," he said.

"The centre is ready for talks, but the initiative should be taken by the state government. The AAP government is reluctant to install smog towers, make roads red-light free and experiment with new measures," he added.

Read: Delhi Pollution: Thick layer of smog prevails; street children forced to breath toxic air