Congress leader Kumari Selja has raised concern over worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR and several Haryana cities, urging the Centre and state governments to move beyond political accusations and take coordinated, time-bound action to protect public health.

Selja said the responsibility for providing clean air and safe water rests with governments and cannot be fulfilled through a blame game. She said residents, particularly children, elderly people and working people, should not be made to bear the consequences of political disagreements.

Blaming Each Other Will Not Give People Relief

Referring to the political exchanges over pollution, Selja noted that the AAP government in Delhi had earlier blamed Punjab, while the BJP government in Delhi was also pointing towards Punjab. She asked both sides to explain what effective and lasting measures had been taken during their respective tenures and what outcomes those steps had delivered.

She said political accusations would not provide relief to people facing polluted air and called for governments to focus on practical measures and results.

Questions BJP’s Promises on Pollution Control and Yamuna Cleaning

Selja said the BJP had promised to control pollution and clean the Yamuna after coming to power, but people were still waiting for visible and sustained results. She called on the Centre to disclose how much public money had been spent on river-cleaning and pollution-control programmes over nearly 12 years of BJP-led governance, and to explain the outcomes achieved.

She said public expenditure should be accompanied by transparent reporting, measurable progress and accountability. Citizens, she added, have a right to know whether the resources allocated for pollution control are producing meaningful improvements.

Raises Concern Over Pollution in Ghaggar River

Selja also expressed concern over pollution in the Ghaggar river and the possible impact on water quality and its suitability for irrigation. She urged authorities to prevent industrial waste and contaminated water from being discharged into the river and to take effective steps to protect water sources.

Gurugram, Faridabad Pollution Shows Problem Is Not Limited to Delhi

Pointing to pollution in Gurugram, Faridabad and other Haryana cities, Selja said the situation showed that the problem extended beyond Delhi. She called for a broader regional approach instead of treating pollution as an issue confined to one city or state.

Demands Joint Meeting and Weekly Progress Reports

Selja demanded an immediate joint meeting of the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab to prepare a practical, time-bound action plan. She also sought transparent details of expenditure, accountability for officials found negligent and weekly progress reports so that the public could assess the implementation of measures.

She said coordination among the governments was essential to address air and water pollution effectively and that commitments must translate into action on the ground.

Clean Air and Water Are Public Rights

Selja said clean air and safe water are basic public rights, not subjects for political blame. She urged governments to prioritise public health and ensure that children, elderly residents and people who work outdoors are not exposed to avoidable pollution.