Toxic air in Delhi-NCR sparks Parliament adjournment motion by Congress leaders

New Delhi: Several Congress leaders have moved adjournment motions in Parliament seeking urgent discussion on the ‘severe’ air pollution in Delhi-NCR, calling for a national public health emergency.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, requesting urgent discussion on the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR. Tagore highlighted the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 461, categorised as "Severe Plus," marking the highest level this season.

Tagore’s notice urged Parliament to acknowledge the situation as a public health emergency, noting the increasing health risks to children, senior citizens, and people with chronic illnesses. Hospitals in the region have reported a sharp rise in respiratory cases due to the toxic air.

Kanyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth also submitted an adjournment motion, blaming administrative failures and poor enforcement of pollution control measures, such as dust, waste, and open burning. He argued that these lapses, rather than natural causes, are responsible for the crisis.

Rajya Sabha sees similar motion

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjane moved a notice in the Rajya Sabha to suspend business for urgent discussion on Delhi-NCR air pollution. He cited worsening AQI levels and expressed concern over the introduction of the VB-G RAMG Bill, objecting to changes related to Mahatma Gandhi’s name in the agenda.

The ‘severe plus’ AQI crossing 450 has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aiming to limit outdoor pollution sources and reduce public exposure.

The Congress leaders collectively urged the government to declare a national health emergency in Delhi-NCR, citing the violation of citizens’ Right to Life under Article 21 due to dangerous air quality levels.
(With ANI inputs)