Nitin Gadkari on air pollution crisis: '2 days in Delhi and I get throat infection'

Nitin Gadkari

Delhi’s pollution level is creating emergency-like conditions. Amid this, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has made a strong statement, saying that the transport sector accounts for 40% of Delhi’s pollution.

Speaking on the impact of pollution, Gadkari said, “Delhi is suffering badly due to pollution today. When I personally stay in Delhi for two days, I develop a throat infection. As the road transport minister, I accept that nearly 40% of the pollution is linked to our sector.”

Gadkari also criticised India’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels. He said, “India spends nearly Rs 22 lakh crore every year on importing fossil fuels. Can’t we reduce our use of fossil fuels? What kind of patriotism is this? Fossil fuels are limited and pollution is rising. Why can’t we promote electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles, which cause zero pollution?”

Gadkari’s remarks come at a time when Delhi’s air quality is deteriorating rapidly. On Tuesday, around 8 am, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at a hazardous level of 413, severely impacting visibility and public health. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality in several parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) has reached the ‘severe’ category