Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and national Spokesperson Raghav Chadha accused Municipal Corporation of burning of garbage in Kirari and polluting the atmosphere that is already deteriorated due to stubble burning in neighbouring states.
"It is most unfortunate that on one hand, the Delhi government has been working tirelessly to come up with solutions for combating Delhi's pollution and the BJP ruled Corporation is burning garbage in residential area. Chadha went on to show images, videos and even a live recording of the garbage burning at Kirari. Mounds of garbage could be seen go up in flames, polluting an already poor atmosphere. Delhi's Air Quality Index has been ranging from 'unhealthy' to 'very unhealthy' for days now.
"I would like to ask the CPCB and EPCA as to how is BJP openly indulging in this criminal act with rampant impunity? How is the MCD burning garbage with such brazenness," he asked ?
"Such criminal negligence cannot and will not be tolerated. And this is just one incident that has come to light. There must be several other current instances where BJP-ruled municipal corporations would be flouting norms and breaking the law," he said.
Respiratory problems have increased manifold. COVID-19 is still a clear and present danger, and then the BJP government is playing with Delhiites' lives, he said.
Rituraj, MLA of Kirari elaborated upon how Kirari is a densely populated area with an economically weak population, and how the BJP and MCD are responsible for the terrible state of the environment.
"Our govt has taken multiple steps to combat air pollution. We have banned thermal plants, diesel gensets, we are following GRAP norms; the AAP government is taking ample care and caution to protect respiratory health of Delhiites but the sins of MCD in particular garbage burning is just criminal. I would request the Supreme Court to take cognizance of the issue" Chadha said.
"It is crucial that action be taken against this body. I would like to remind the MCD run by BJP that it is their responsibility to keep Delhi clean and that is the principal responsibility of MCDs. Garbage disposal must be done in a sustainable way, and the MCD has failed spectacularly in this area," he said.