Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday called on citizens to share how air pollution has affected them or their loved ones, warning that the crisis cannot be ignored until next winter.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi said, “We are paying a heavy price for air pollution – with our health and our economy. Children and the elderly suffer the most, while livelihoods, especially of construction workers and daily wage earners, are severely impacted. This crisis cannot be forgotten until next winter.” He urged people to share their experiences on ‘Awaz Bharat Ki’, an online platform on his official website, adding, “Your voice matters, and it is my duty to raise it.” According to his website, ‘Awaz Bharat Ki’ provides a direct platform for Indians to submit their thoughts, suggestions, and concerns to his office.
The call comes amid worsening air quality in the national capital. On January 18, the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 439 at 7 am, placing it in the ‘severe’ category, after recording 432 at 10 pm the previous night, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed. Persistent high pollution levels are raising serious health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
