Nitin Gadkari highlights Delhi-NCR pollution, urges shift to cleaner transport

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari drew attention to the persistent pollution problem in Delhi-NCR during a recent event, noting its direct impact on his health.

"I live here for three days, (and) I get allergies because of this pollution," he revealed.

Speaking at the book launch of veteran journalist and former central information commissioner Uday Mahurkar in Delhi, Gadkari highlighted the role of transportation in worsening air quality. "I am the transport minister and 40 per cent of pollution happens because of transport itself," he said.

Emphasising the urgent need for alternatives to fossil fuels, he questioned India’s approach to energy consumption.

"What kind of nationalism is this? Fossil fuels are limited, and pollution is increasing. Can't we reduce fossil fuel usage? Why can't we promote electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles, which can lead to zero pollution?" Gadkari asked, noting that the country spends around Rs 22 lakh annually on fossil fuels.

The minister also spoke about his eco-friendly flex-fuel vehicle, powered entirely by ethanol, highlighting its potential to cut pollution and reduce dependence on imported fuels.

Gadkari’s comments come amid worsening air quality in the capital. On Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality reached the severe category with a 24-hour AQI of 412, making it the second-most polluted city in India. Noida recorded an average AQI of 426, the highest in the country.

By Wednesday morning, the AQI improved slightly to a very poor category, but forecasts suggest it will remain very poor over the next six days.

This is not Gadkari’s first warning about Delhi pollution. During last December’s smog season, he had expressed reluctance to visit the city. "Every time, while coming to Delhi, I think whether I should go or not. Itna bhayankar pollution hai (The pollution is just terrible)," he had said.