Former IPS officer and former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi has launched a social media campaign highlighting the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi. Through a series of posts on platform X, she called for urgent government intervention and proposed controversial measures to address the public health emergency.
Bedi's Direct Challenge to Government Officials
In her most provocative suggestion, Kiran Bedi questioned the use of air purifiers in government offices and official residences. She proposed banning air purifiers installed at government cost, arguing that this creates a disparity between officials and common citizens breathing toxic air.
"Outside Govt offices can we have a board / indicator if office and official residence is using an air purifier? And at whose cost? Whose money?" Bedi posted on Saturday. She emphasized that unless those in positions of power breathe the same air, a sense of emergency will not develop among decision-makers.
Emotional Appeal to Prime Minister Modi
The former IPS officer made an emotional plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recalling his leadership style during her administrative tenure in Puducherry. She suggested a structured approach to monitoring pollution control measures.
Bedi specifically recommended that PM Modi conduct periodic virtual meetings with Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries of Delhi's neighbouring states. "Sir your zoom meet with these five neighbouring CMs periodically, along with Chief Secretaries, with fixed schedule even just once a month, to report progress, will stop the situation to worsen," she posted.
Delhi's Alarming Air Quality Situation
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's overall air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Saturday morning with an AQI reading of 332. While this showed marginal improvement from Friday's AQI of 369, the situation remains critically bad.
The CPCB classification shows that AQI between 301-400 is considered "very poor" while 401-500 falls in the "severe" category. Delhi-NCR has been experiencing AQI readings in the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories for the past several weeks, creating serious health concerns among residents.
Local residents have reported experiencing breathing difficulties and eye irritation due to the persistently poor air quality. "Nothing can be seen around here. Today I didn't wear the mask, thinking I could do it, but as soon as I came out, I felt it: my eyes were getting irritated," Atul, a visitor to Kartavya Path area, told ANI. Some residents have even expressed concerns about potential volcanic ash from Ethiopia adding to the pollution burden.
