New Delhi, Nov 28 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday urged the Narendra Modi government to take immediate action to address the worsening Delhi air pollution crisis, saying children in the National Capital Region were “choking” due to toxic air.
Sharing a video on X in which he is seen interacting with mothers concerned about their children’s health, Rahul Gandhi said people were “exhausted, scared and angry,” while the government was showing “no urgency and no accountability.”
The Wayanad MP called for an urgent debate in Parliament on the pollution emergency and said India’s children “deserve clean air, not excuses.”
Rahul Gandhi’s post on X
In his post, Rahul Gandhi said:
“Every mother I meet tells me the same thing: her child is growing up breathing toxic air… Modi ji, India’s children are choking in front of us. How can you stay silent? Why does your government show no urgency, no plan, no accountability? India needs an immediate, detailed Parliament debate on air pollution and a strict, enforceable action plan to tackle this health emergency.”
His remarks came a day after the Supreme Court agreed to urgently hear the Delhi–NCR pollution case (MC Mehta matter) on Monday.
Supreme Court Flags Pollution as ‘Health Emergency’
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant acknowledged that Delhi’s worsening air quality has become a “health emergency.” However, the CJI cautioned that the court cannot offer “instant solutions” without scientific backing.
“We know the problem… There is no one single reason,” the CJI said, questioning what immediate judicial directive could magically clear the air.
The apex court said it will now hear the case on a regular and continuous basis, noting that the issue resurfaces every winter.
Doctors have already labelled the situation a severe health crisis, with residents reporting respiratory issues and throat irritation due to the toxic smog. Stubble burning across Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh remains a major contributor to the annual pollution spike.