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The BJP leader pointed a direct accusatory finger at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab regarding farm fires
A vehicle of the PWD sprays water using an anti-smog gun to curb air pollution amid smoggy conditions in New Delhi on November 5, 2025. (Image: AFP)
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has intensified the political blame game over the capital’s escalating air pollution crisis, strongly criticising the opposition’s approach to the problem while defending the measures taken by the Delhi government. Speaking exclusively with CNN-News18, Sirsa dismissed the idea that the city’s toxic Air Quality Index (AQI) can be reduced through quick fixes and pointed a direct accusatory finger at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab regarding farm fires.
The BJP leader categorically rejected the notion of artificially reducing AQI figures, stating, “There is no artificial way to reduce AQI. The purpose of sprinkling water is dust mitigation; if dust mitigation happens, the AQI will come down on its own.” This statement serves as a defence against accusations—frequently made by the opposition—that the government is attempting to tamper with pollution monitoring data. Singh affirmed the integrity of the process, adding, “There can be no tampering with data monitoring.”
The minister then detailed the substantive, long-term measures the Delhi government claims to have undertaken. “The government has done several such works that have directly helped in reducing pollution in Delhi, such as introducing electric buses in Delhi… steps have been taken to clean Yamuna Ji… we are continuously working.” He highlighted the ongoing, visible efforts. “The government has repaired all its roads and infrastructure, continuous water sprinkling is being done to reduce dust in Delhi… we are continuously striving to give Delhi clean air,” he said.
Singh used this defence to frame the air pollution crisis as a deeply entrenched, multi-year problem that cannot be resolved quickly. Challenging the opposition’s criticism of the current administration’s progress, he asked pointedly, “Do you believe that 10 years of polluted air can be cleaned in 7-8 months?”
However, his most forceful accusation was directed at the AAP-led administration in the neighbouring state. “In Punjab, the Kejriwal government is deliberately allowing stubble burning,” said Sirsa. He further defended the farmers of Punjab, suggesting they are victims of political compulsion rather than willing polluters. “The farmers of Punjab do not want to burn stubble; they want to sell it,” he said. This narrative suggests a strategic lapse—or worse, an intentional allowance—by the Punjab government that directly compromises Delhi’s air quality, shifting the focus of accountability onto the rival political party.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
November 10, 2025, 20:31 IST
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