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Delhi’s air is choking, and Environment Minister Sirsa accuses AAP of deliberately burning waste to worsen pollution. AAP denies it, calling it false. Is this politics or public health at risk? The city watches as AQI hits dangerous levels.
Delhi minister MS Sirsa says AAP ‘burning waste’ to increase pollution
New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of deliberately worsening air pollution in the national capital by setting garbage on fire. Addressing a press conference, Sirsa claimed the alleged acts were politically motivated and showed a lack of concern for public health as air quality continues to deteriorate across the city.
“I say this with regret that waste is being deliberately burnt to increase pollution. They seem to be praying for the AQI to rise. This kind of dirty politics puts the lives of Delhi’s people at risk,” Sirsa alleged, targeting the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP.
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The minister referred to an incident from the Trilokpuri area, where he claimed an AAP councillor allegedly set a pile of garbage on fire. According to Sirsa, the local MLA informed him that the councillor later recorded a video of the burning waste. A video shared by AAP councillor Vijay Kumar reportedly shows smoke rising from a garbage heap, adding to already hazardous air conditions in the area.
Appealing directly to AAP leadership, Sirsa urged Arvind Kejriwal to refrain from what he described as irresponsible politics. “Your children also live in Delhi. Please don’t harm your own people for political gains,” he said.
The allegations came as the Delhi government rolled out stricter measures to combat worsening air quality. Sirsa announced that offices across the capital would shift to 50 percent work-from-home arrangements. He also said that Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates would be mandatory for refuelling vehicles, and trucks carrying construction material would be barred from entering Delhi.
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In addition, vehicles not meeting Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission standards will not be allowed into the city. “These steps are necessary to improve air quality in the coming days,” Sirsa said.
Responding sharply, AAP rejected the allegations and accused Sirsa of spreading misinformation. The party claimed the minister had a history of manipulating air quality data by shutting monitoring stations and spraying water near AQI sensors. AAP termed the garbage-burning accusation “baseless” and said the minister should file an FIR if he has concrete evidence.
On Wednesday, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 334, placing it in the “very poor” category. Several areas, including Anand Vihar, remained blanketed in thick smog, underscoring the ongoing pollution crisis despite recent interventions.
