New Delhi is choking under a blanket of toxic smog, and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh isn’t holding back. In a scathing attack on the government’s environmental policies, Ramesh declared the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) a complete failure, reduced to mere paperwork with no real impact on India’s air quality.
The former Environment Minister highlighted alarming data from recent air quality reports. Cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow consistently rank among the world’s most polluted, with PM2.5 levels far exceeding safe limits set by the World Health Organization. ‘Promises were made to reduce pollution by 40% by 2026, but we’re seeing no action, only excuses,’ Ramesh stated during a press briefing.
He pointed to systemic issues plaguing NCAP implementation. Funds allocated for clean air initiatives remain unspent, monitoring stations are inadequate, and enforcement against polluting industries is lax. Ramesh accused the central government of prioritizing corporate interests over public health, especially as winter approaches and pollution spikes become inevitable.
This isn’t Ramesh’s first salvo on the issue. As a vocal critic of environmental lapses, he has repeatedly urged for stricter regulations and better coordination between states and the center. Congress has promised, if voted to power, a revamped NCAP with enforceable targets and massive investments in green technology.
Public health experts echo these concerns. Hospitals in northern India report a surge in respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly. The economic toll is staggering, with lost productivity and healthcare costs running into billions annually.
As Diwali nears, the debate intensifies. Firecrackers, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions compound the crisis. Ramesh called for immediate bans and incentives for sustainable farming practices. The government’s response? More task forces and reports, but little on-the-ground change.
India’s battle against air pollution demands urgent, bold action. Congress’s critique underscores a growing frustration with policies that look good on paper but fail the people breathing poisoned air every day.