Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Saturday, directly addressed the widespread concern over the visibly polluted Yamuna River, assuring citizens that her administration is taking all necessary steps to tackle contamination and improve the river's health. Gupta made these remarks while speaking at the 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS).
Government's "Mission-Mode" Approach to Pollution
Responding to viral videos highlighting the severe pollution in the Yamuna, the Chief Minister acknowledged public criticism but emphasized proactive government action. She invoked the popular Hindi phrase "kuch toh log kahenge" (people will always have something to say) to underscore that the administration remains focused on its work. Gupta stated that efforts to combat both water and air pollution in the national capital are ongoing and being executed in a continuous, mission-mode approach.
Elaborating on specific measures, Gupta highlighted a large-scale initiative to control dust. In a post on social media platform X earlier on Saturday, she revealed that hundreds of sprinkler vehicles are being deployed to wash the city's Ring Road at regular intervals. She described this as a crucial step in reducing dust and overall pollution levels.
"For the first time in Delhi, hundreds of sprinkler vehicles are washing the capital's Ring Road. Our mission is one for all - pollution control," Gupta wrote. "Our government is fully alert and committed at every level to wage a decisive war against pollution." She added that this initiative reflects the government's strong resolve to provide a cleaner environment for Delhi's residents.
The Persistent Crisis of Air and Water
The context for Gupta's statements is a dire environmental situation. On Saturday morning, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category with an AQI of 335, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Despite minor fluctuations, a dense layer of toxic smog continued to shroud several areas, including Ghazipur Mandi, Anand Vihar, and Wazirpur, significantly reducing visibility.
The water crisis is equally severe. The Yamuna river, which flows approximately 40 km through Delhi from Palla to Asgarpur, has been a long-standing concern. A parliamentary committee report from March, cited by PTI, delivered a damning assessment: the river's ability to support aquatic life is nearly absent along its Delhi stretch. The report noted that 23 of 33 monitored locations, including six within the capital, failed to meet basic water quality standards.
Political Echoes in Parliament
The pollution issue has also resonated strongly in the political arena. Earlier in the week, during the Winter Session of Parliament, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo criticized the ruling BJP over the deteriorating air quality. She pointedly remarked that their "400 par" slogan had been fulfilled in a grim manner, as the AQI had crossed the 400 mark across Delhi-NCR in recent days.
"Air pollution causes many children, senior citizens and ordinary people to suffer from lung diseases like asthma," Deo said, highlighting the public health emergency. The session also saw sharp exchanges between opposition leaders and the new Rajya Sabha Chairperson, with demands for a dedicated debate on the capital's air quality.
As Delhi grapples with this dual environmental challenge, the government's announced measures, from river cleaning missions to mechanized road washing, are under intense public scrutiny. The effectiveness of these "mission-mode" efforts will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
