Residents’ body appeals to PM Modi for action on Delhi’s pollution crisis

The United Residents Joint Action (URJA), a group representing several resident welfare associations in Delhi, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate action to address the city’s pollution crisis.

In its letter, URJA pointed to political disputes at Delhi’s borders and within Parliament, which it said distracted from the more urgent issue of pollution. With the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforcing Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), residents have been advised to stay indoors due to severe air quality restrictions. URJA criticised the political deadlock, arguing that it diverted attention from the need to combat pollution.

The letter also noted that road blockages spiked pollution, rather than reducing it. URJA highlighted the inconsistency in the implementation of GRAP measures, pointing out that traffic management had been effectively enforced during the G20 summit, but similar efforts had not been made during the current GRAP enforcement. This has led to traffic congestion and increased emissions, according to the group.

URJA raised concerns about large political, social, and spiritual gatherings continuing without proper restrictions during periods of high pollution. It suggested that these events should be subject to permits and conditions to prevent further environmental damage.

The group called for better traffic management to reduce vehicle idling and asked authorities to make pollution control a priority in both political discourse and public messaging. The letter urged strict enforcement of the CAQM Act, 2021, to penalise violators and organisations, ensuring that GRAP measures would serve the public’s interest, rather than simply imposing penalties on citizens.

URJA asked the Prime Minister to take the lead in making pollution control a national priority, with actions and policies to reflect this aim.