The BJP Youth Wing held a protest at Anand Vihar Chowk, near Delhi’s border, to highlight the alarming pollution levels in the capital. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and Union Minister Harsh Malhotra participated in the demonstration, wearing respiratory masks to raise awareness about the health risks posed by the increasing pollution.
Anand Vihar, identified as one of Delhi’s most polluted areas, recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of around 500 on the morning of the protest. Youth Wing President Sagar Tyagi led the demonstration, joined by local MLA Om Prakash Sharma, Shahdara District President Sanjay Goyal, Youth Wing in-charge Abhishek Tandon, and hundreds of activists.
Addressing the protest, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva criticized the Kejriwal-led government, calling it a “disaster for Delhiites” and describing the city as a “gas chamber” where residents, including the elderly and children, are suffering from severe respiratory issues. He accused the government of neglecting essential measures such as street cleaning and reducing vehicular emissions, while shifting blame to the central government. Sachdeva highlighted central projects like the Akshardham Road, Eastern and Western Expressways, Dwarka Expressway, and Pragati Maidan Tunnel, which have reduced heavy vehicle traffic in Delhi. He contrasted these with the lack of concrete pollution-control measures by the Kejriwal administration.
Union Minister Harsh Malhotra also criticized the AAP government, stating that despite being in power for a decade, it has failed to address pollution effectively and relied on empty promises. He emphasized the lack of coordination between the Delhi and Punjab governments to tackle stubble burning, even though both are led by the AAP. Malhotra said, “Living in Delhi without a mask today is a serious health risk,” and added that while protests may not directly reduce pollution, they can raise public awareness about necessary precautions.
Virendra Sachdeva further highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Delhi’s AQI level of 494 is equivalent to smoking 22 cigarettes daily. He pointed out the alarming rise in respiratory illnesses and the significant impact on life expectancy, with Delhiites losing an average of 12 years. Despite this public health crisis, the Kejriwal government has failed to implement effective measures to combat pollution.