As Delhi struggles with choking air and rising health concerns, the city government has launched a sharp attack on the former AAP-led administration. Ministers said years of inaction by the previous government have pushed the capital into a severe pollution crisis. With air quality slipping into the ‘very poor’ category, officials claimed the problem has become harder to control due to unfinished environmental work.
The comments came amid fresh restrictions across the city as authorities try to prevent further damage to air quality.
What Did Parvesh Verma Say on Delhi Pollution?
Delhi minister Parvesh Verma addressed the media on Thursday and accused the AAP government of failing to complete basic pollution-control tasks during its long tenure.
“If the AAP government had even done half of these tasks, we would have had to do only the remaining ones… But Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP government have not done even a single task in the last 11 years…,” Verma said.
He displayed a large list of pending works, saying these failures continue to affect the city’s air quality.
Pollution Control Work Pending for Years
According to the Delhi government, several long-promised projects never moved beyond paperwork. These included:
- Clearing major garbage dumping sites
- Developing green parks and open spaces
- Repairing broken footpaths
- Improving e-waste management
- Cleaning the Yamuna River
- Upgrading sewage treatment plants
- Regular road cleaning
- Better plastic waste management
Officials said incomplete civic work has allowed dust, waste burning, and untreated sewage to worsen pollution levels year after year.
‘Problem Did Not Start in One Year’
Parvesh Verma said the pollution crisis is not new and cannot be blamed on the current administration alone.
“Our government in Delhi has been in place for the past 9 months… From February 20, 2025, the Chief Minister of Delhi and all the ministers have been out on Delhi’s roads… The Delhi government has been successful in every program,” he said.
He added that pollution control requires long-term effort and claimed the current government has taken visible steps on the ground.
Strong Attack on Arvind Kejriwal
Verma further accused former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of misleading the public on environmental promises.
“If Arvind Kejriwal had done even a little bit of work, we would have had to do only the remaining work. Still, the misfortune is that Arvind Kejriwal has deceived the people of Delhi…,” he said.
The remarks underline the growing political battle over who is responsible for Delhi’s worsening air.
New Curbs Introduced as AQI Worsens
The government enforced stricter pollution curbs on Thursday as air quality remained alarming. Offices have shifted to hybrid work-from-home models. Authorities banned the entry of certain vehicles into the city. Fuel stations also stopped refuelling vehicles without valid PUC certificates.
These measures aim to cut traffic emissions and slow the rise in pollution levels.
Delhi AQI Today and Travel Disruptions
Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 358 at 8 am on Thursday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Thick fog reduced visibility across the city and disrupted air travel. Several flights were cancelled, while hundreds faced delays at the Delhi airport.
Residents reported breathing discomfort, eye irritation, and poor visibility on roads, highlighting the daily impact of pollution.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi?
The government said it will continue enforcement drives and cleanup programs in the coming weeks. Officials stressed that pollution control needs consistent effort, public cooperation, and faster execution of civic projects.
As winter conditions worsen, Delhi remains on high alert, with air quality likely to stay under pressure in the days ahead.