The United Residents Joint Action (URJA), a group representing many residents’ welfare organizations in Delhi, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate action to tackle the city’s pollution problem.
In its letter, the URJA points to the political conflicts on the borders of Delhi and within the Parliament, which it says have interfered with the urgent issue of pollution.
As the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforces Phase IV of the Phased Response Plan (GRAP), residents have been advised to stay indoors due to strict air quality restrictions. URJA criticized the political shutdown, saying it diverted attention from the need to fight pollution.
The book also noted that roadblocks increase pollution, rather than reducing it. URJA highlighted the contradiction in the implementation of GRAP measures, pointing out that traffic management has been effectively enforced during the G20 summit, but similar efforts have not been made during the current implementation of GRAP. This led to traffic jams on the roads and an increase in air pollution according to the group.
URJA raised concerns about large political, social, and spiritual gatherings that take place without proper boundaries during periods of high pollution. It suggested that these events must comply with permits and conditions to prevent further damage to the area.
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 social messaging.
The letter advocated stricter enforcement of the CAQM Act, 2021, to punish violators and organizations, ensuring that GRAP measures will serve the public interest, rather than simply imposing fines on citizens.
URJA called on the Prime Minister to take the lead in making pollution control a national priority, with actions and policies that reflect this objective.
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