Air pollution is not a complicated topic. The causes, effects, and solutions are well-documented and straightforward. Yet, despite this, the air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate. According to the report ‘Body Burden 2015’ by the Center for Science and Environment, between 10,000 and 30,000 people die annually due to pollution in the national capital. Additionally, Delhi has once again been crowned the world’s most polluted city by the WHO. Unless the Delhi Government’s strategy is population control via pollution, a comprehensive plan should have been in place by now. While firecrackers burned during Diwali are often blamed and banned, such reactive measures fail to address the root causes of pollution.

Also read: How does breathing in Delhi feel like?

Governments are not expected to fix everything themselves but are responsible for leading initiatives and ensuring their success. However, the Delhi Chief Minister has frequently blamed others—neighboring states, the central government, and even private citizens—instead of presenting a clear, actionable strategy. Banning activities during a crisis is not a long-term solution. As one of India’s most qualified politicians, the Chief Minister should have leveraged his expertise to devise a robust plan. However, his apparent inaction raises questions about his intentions, leaving many to wonder if self-serving motives are at play.

Delhi’s air quality issues are exacerbated by the presence of thermal power plants and households relying on solid fuels for cooking, both of which contribute to particulate matter. The government should have promoted greener alternatives like renewable energy and cleaner cooking fuels. Initiatives such as connecting households to LPG and PNG, which are part of the Modi Government’s flagship projects like the “Ujjwala Yojana,” could have been expanded in Delhi. Moreover, solar power targets set by the central government were surpassed, demonstrating the feasibility of clean energy solutions. Projects like the Eastern Peripheral Highway, aimed at reducing vehicle congestion, also highlight potential pathways for reducing pollution. However, it seems that the Delhi government avoids supporting such initiatives due to political considerations, prioritizing credit over collaboration.

Also read: Some ideas to reduce pollution and create startups/employment opportunities

Even if skepticism about the Chief Minister’s intentions is set aside, the AAP government has shown a pattern of populist measures that do little to address systemic issues. Promises of freebies like free water, WiFi, and reduced electricity prices may win votes but fail to create long-term change. These measures often come at the expense of financial sustainability, raising concerns about Delhi’s fiscal health. Real change requires tough decisions, which may upset voters in the short term but yield long-term benefits. Unfortunately, the reluctance to take unpopular but necessary actions has hindered progress in addressing air pollution.

The Chief Minister’s political strategy appears rooted in blame-shifting and negativity. Instead of fostering collaboration, his speeches and interviews focus on criticism, excuses, and accusations. The reliance on protests and “dharnas” has overshadowed opportunities for constructive solutions. For instance, engaging students, researchers, and professionals to develop innovative pollution control measures could have generated employment, promoted startups, and improved public perception. However, fear of potential failure and public criticism has likely deterred such efforts, leading to stagnation.

A leader’s effectiveness is often reflected in their ability to build and sustain a strong team. Unfortunately, the Delhi Chief Minister’s leadership style has alienated key members of his team and created rifts with bureaucrats. The recent standoff with IAS officials highlights the challenges of poor leadership and collaboration. Governing a state requires managing diverse challenges and finding solutions despite constraints. If partial statehood is a barrier, it raises questions about the feasibility of the promises made during elections. Empty promises and excuses erode public trust and hinder meaningful progress.

Delhi’s air pollution crisis is a glaring example of governance failures and missed opportunities. Effective leadership requires vision, collaboration, and the courage to make difficult decisions. While the solutions to air pollution are well within reach, the absence of political will and strategic planning has perpetuated the problem. It is high time for the government to prioritize public welfare over political gain and take decisive action to address one of the most pressing issues facing the capital city.

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