As Delhi battles its worst air pollution levels in recent weeks, Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, who contested to the Lok Sabha in Kerala’s Wayanad, expressed her shock at the state of the capital's air quality. Speaking out on the city’s toxic air, which remained in the ‘severe’ category for the second consecutive day, Gandhi likened her return to Delhi to “entering a gas chamber.”
"Coming back to Delhi from Wayanad, where the air is beautiful and the AQI is 35, was like entering a gas chamber," she said. "The blanket of smog is even more shocking when seen from the air."
Gandhi Vadra’s comments came as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reached an alarming 428 at 8 am on Thursday, continuing to hover in the ‘severe’ category. This level of pollution has resulted in health problems for residents, with respiratory issues and eye irritation becoming widespread, while visibility on the streets has been severely reduced.
Addressing the issue beyond party politics, Gandhi Vadra emphasised that the pollution crisis requires a collective effort for a lasting solution. "Delhi’s pollution gets worse every year. We really should put our heads together and find a solution for cleaner air. It’s beyond this party or that; it’s practically impossible to breathe, especially for kids, elders, and those with respiratory issues. We just have to do something about it," she stated.
In response to her post on X, one user commented, “One cannot compare Wayanad with Delhi. Wayanad has dense forest and trees. Lowest number of vehicles and lowest number of industries. As per reports, Delhi has around 79.5 lakh vehicles, including 20.7 lakh private cars. Delhi should focus on the public transport system.”
Another user sarcastically remarked, “After living in Delhi for 50 years, she (Priyanka) knows the difference now. Great Vadra Gandhi."
Meanwhile, as pollution levels continue to rise, Delhi Airport issued an advisory for passengers. While all flight operations remained normal, "Low Visibility Procedures" were implemented due to the dense smog covering the city. Passengers were urged to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an AQI of 428 at 8 am on Thursday, reinforcing the severity of the pollution crisis. According to the India Meteorological Department, however, increased wind activity could help improve the situation, with the AQI expected to drop to the “very poor” category in the coming days.
As Delhi struggles with the consequences of its ongoing pollution problem, calls for immediate and comprehensive measures to address the crisis continue to grow.