Curbing pollution is everybody’s duty: Gopal Rai

In view of the severe pollution situation in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai spoke exclusively with NewsX and unveiled the plan to curb the rising pollution. Excerpts:

Q: Pollution has been a recurring problem for the national capital. The Supreme Court has issued directives from time to time to hammer out this problem, but no tangible results have emerged. The AAP government also introduced Odd-Even formula for this but the overall situation is far from satisfactory. What do you have to say about this?

A: The AAP government introduced the Odd-Even formula based on an international research and we have also apprised the Supreme Court about this. We have also called for a meeting of ministers and officers to ensure compliance of the instructions given by the Supreme Court yesterday regarding pollution. Thus, in a way, the Delhi government has marshalled its manpower to curb the menacing pollution situation of the national capital. We had also written to the LG regarding the Smog Tower and real-time source enforcement study, but the Smog Tower was started on the orders of the SC only.

Q: Why is there a political blame game over the grim pollution situation?

A: The AAP government has never involved itself in any sort of blame game. It is the Centre which puts blame on the Delhi government for not controlling the bad air situation.
In fact, it is a collective responsibility for everybody—be it the Delhi government, Centre, common people. So, just to blame the AAP government is not a good proposition. Stubble burning is a recurring issue that has its origin in Haryana and Punjab.

The government must devise a plan for farmers so that they do not indulge in any kind of stubble burning and unless and until it is done, no permanent solution of pollution can be expected.