Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has responded strongly to criticism over the city’s rising air pollution, pointing out that the problem is complex and cannot be solved overnight. In an exclusive interview with News18, he dismissed the idea that Delhi’s toxic Air Quality Index (AQI) can be fixed in a few months and placed part of the blame on farm fires in neighboring Punjab.
Sirsa emphasized that there is no “artificial” way to reduce pollution quickly. He explained that water sprinkling by vehicles is only meant to control dust, and as dust decreases, the AQI improves naturally. This statement was aimed at countering opposition claims that the Delhi government might be manipulating pollution data. He reassured the public that monitoring remains accurate and untampered.
The minister also highlighted the long-term measures Delhi has undertaken to improve air quality. These include the introduction of electric buses, cleaning the Yamuna river, repairing roads and infrastructure, and continuous water sprinkling to control dust. According to Sirsa, these ongoing efforts are gradually helping the city achieve cleaner air, but reversing years of accumulated pollution takes time. “Do you believe that 10 years of polluted air can be cleaned in 7-8 months?” he asked, challenging critics who expect immediate results.
Sirsa also directed his strongest criticism at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, accusing them of allowing stubble burning. He said farmers in Punjab do not want to burn crop residue; they want to sell it. The minister suggested that the Kejriwal government’s actions—or lack of action—have worsened Delhi’s pollution, shifting accountability to the neighboring state’s administration.
In summary, Sirsa portrayed Delhi’s pollution as a long-standing problem that requires consistent, multi-year interventions. He defended the Delhi government’s strategies while criticizing political rivals for contributing to the crisis. The minister’s statements underline that improving air quality is a gradual process and that both Delhi and neighboring states must cooperate to achieve lasting results.
Delhi continues to battle pollution, with authorities taking visible steps daily, but Sirsa stresses that sustainable improvement requires patience and coordinated efforts across states.
