National concern: Rahul Gandhi urges united action against air pollution in North India

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has called air pollution in North India a “national emergency.” With the Air Quality Index (AQI) ranging from poor to severe for several days, Gandhi emphasized that the situation is a public health crisis, threatening lives and harming India’s environment and economy.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi said, “Air pollution in North India is a national emergency—a public health crisis that is stealing our children’s future and suffocating the elderly.” He highlighted the plight of the poorest sections, unable to escape toxic air, adding, “Families are gasping for clean air, children are falling sick, and millions of lives are being cut short.”

Gandhi also expressed concern over pollution’s impact on tourism and India’s global reputation, urging collective action. “Tourism is declining, and our global reputation is crumbling. Cleaning it up will require major changes and decisive action from governments, companies, experts, and citizens. We need a national response, not political blame games,” he said.

He further urged parliamentarians to prioritize the issue during the upcoming winter session, noting, “As Parliament meets in a few days, MPs will all be reminded of the crisis by our irritated eyes and sore throats. It is our responsibility to discuss how India can end this crisis once and for all.”

Meanwhile, a dense layer of smog blanketed Delhi on Friday, with AQI levels remaining in the “very poor” category. As of 7 am, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reported an AQI of 371 for the capital, with areas like Sonia Vihar, Anand Vihar, and Wazirpur recording “severe” levels above 400.