New Delhi: BJP Delhi President Virendra Sachdeva accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government of failing to control pollution and protect citizens from waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. Highlighting the dire state of air quality, Sachdeva said PM 2.5 levels have surpassed 400 in multiple areas, while PM 10 levels have exceeded 1000, posing a severe health risk to residents.
“Delhi has turned into a gas chamber,” he remarked, noting that many citizens are suffering from coughs, eye irritation, and headaches due to toxic air, particularly near landfill sites like Okhla, where cancer-causing particles have been detected.
Sachdeva criticized the government for its inaction, asserting that the current pollution levels warrant the implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) level 3 measures. He also accused the government of ignoring key contributors to pollution, including crop burning in Punjab, dust from broken roads, and ongoing construction activities violating restrictions.
The BJP leader called for immediate closure of schools up to Grade 5 and urged advisories for children and the elderly to stay indoors, citing their heightened vulnerability to pollution. Additionally, he lamented the absence of smog guns and water sprinklers across the city, despite publicized announcements by Delhi’s Environment Minister.
Meanwhile, Delhi is grappling with a surge in diseases. According to data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Health Department, over 20,700 deaths in 2023 were attributed to waterborne illnesses, accounting for nearly 23% of all deaths in Delhi hospitals. This year, cases of chikungunya and malaria are reportedly doubling compared to 2023, while dengue continues to spread alarmingly.
Sachdeva emphasized the need for immediate action, including the distribution of medicines to mitigate pollution-related health impacts and to combat the rising disease burden.
Criticizing the AAP government’s healthcare and environmental policies, he remarked, “Under Atishi Marlena’s leadership, pollution control efforts are even worse than under Arvind Kejriwal’s administration. The healthcare model has failed, leaving Delhiites at the mercy of diseases and toxic air.”
He concluded by urging the government to prioritize the health and safety of citizens, stressing the urgent need for preventive measures and functional public healthcare facilities.
